Air Conditioning
|
| 1. |
When shopping for an air conditioner, pay attention to the Energy Efficient Ratio (EER). The higher your EER, the lower the utility bill. |
| 2. |
Don't place lamps or TVs near an air conditioning thermostat. The heat from these appliances will cause the air conditioner to run longer. |
| 3. |
Set air conditioners to the highest comfortable setting during the day: 78-80 degrees. Raising the air conditioner setting by one degree can save 4-7 percent on the cooling portion of an energy bill |
| 4. |
Clean or replace filters for air conditioners |
Block the Heat
Up to 40% of the costs of cooling can be saved by shading techniques such as landscaping, and working the drapes and blinds. |
| 1. |
Prune shrubs that may block airflow to the air conditioner. |
| 2. |
Drapes and curtains made of light-colored fabrics reflect much of the sun's rays and help reduce heat gain. The tighter the curtain is to the wall, the better it will reduce heat gain. Two-layered drapes are most effective for both summer cooling and winter heating. |
| 3. |
Blinds, although not as effective as drapes, can be adjusted to let in some light while reflecting the bulk of the sun's heat. The more reflective side of the blinds should face outward. |
| 4. |
Close south and west-facing curtains during the day for any window that gets direct sunlight. |
| 5. |
Shade room air conditioners to save them unnecessary extra work. |
| 6. |
Exterior shade screens, also called "sun screens" "shade cloths" or "solar shields", prevent sun from entering a window. These can be installed on windows exposed to direct sunlight. Shade screens are lightweight, durable and easy to install. Bamboo blinds can also be used as shade screens. |
Fans
|
| 1. |
Ceiling fans are efficient and use little electricity, less than 1/10th the wattage of air conditioners. Cost to run is approximately $1.50 per month vs. $20 per month for air conditioners. Use a ceiling fan along with the air conditioner. Set the air conditioner thermostat 9 degrees higher and save 30% on utility costs.
|
| 2. |
Window fans, ceiling fans or whole-house fans use much less power than air conditioners. |
| 3. |
Turn the fan off when you leave the room since the fan does its job by cooling you not the room. |
| 4. |
Close south and west-facing curtains during the day for any window that gets direct sunlight. |
Cooking Heat
|
| 1. |
Cook with microwave, barbecue, pressure cooker or crock pot or prepare cold meals to avoid heating up the kitchen and adding moisture to the air. |
Lights and Appliances
|
| 1. |
Turn off all unnecessary appliances. |
| 2. |
Run dishwashers, dryers and washing machines during the evening hours (after 7 p.m.) when energy consumption is lower. |
| 3. |
Use a clothes line to dry clothes. |
| 4. |
Air dry dishes to eliminate heat generated by the drying cycle of a dishwasher. If the dishwasher must be used, wash only full loads.
|
| 5. |
Turn off all unnecessary lights and use fluorescent lighting, which is cooler. |
The Benefit Bank
Many states have Home Energy Assistance programs and emergency programs like Ohio's Summer Crisis Program which provides summer cooling assistance for low-income elderly households and for Ohioans with qualifying medical conditions. The program applies to electric utilities only and allows for a one-time payment to be put towards an electric bill payment, air conditioning unit or fan. Visit the web pages of states using The Benefit Bank services with home energy assistance. |
| 1. |
Arkansas |
| 2. |
Kansas |
| 3. |
Ohio |
| 4. |
Pennsylvania |
