- Switch your ceiling fan to turn in a counter-clockwise direction in the summer; in the winter, run it at low speed, but clockwise.
- Close your exterior doors and windows tightly when the AC is on. Save even more by turning off kitchen and bath exhaust fans.
- Change or clean your Air Conditioner’s (AC) air filters at least once a month to keep your system running at peak performance.
- Make sure your AC has a rating – or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) – of 15.
- Make saving automatic: Set your thermostat fan switch to ‘auto’ to save energy. Leaving it in the ‘on’ position keeps air running constantly.
- Block the sun from overheating your home! Inside, use shades, blinds and drapes. Outside, use awnings, trees and shrubs.
- Insulate your walls with injected foam insulation to help you save energy by keeping hot outside air from seeping through porous block walls – check with your local building supply company for details.
- Give your AC tune-up. Running an inefficient AC system can result in high monthly bills. Plus, you could qualify for a rebate.
- Open interior doors so that cooled air flows freely throughout your home.
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- Repair leaky ducts to reduce heating and cooling costs and qualify for a rebate toward repairs.
- Install attic insulation rated R-30 and sealing any attic leaks to reduce high home cooling costs. You’ll save money each month and qualify for a rebate of $75 or more.
- Check for household leaks to make sure air isn’t escaping through openings such as fireplace dampers, doors and windows.
- Decorate for a cooler home by hanging light-coloured curtains that allow light to enter a room while blocking some of the sun’s rays, and light-coloured paint to reflect heat.
- Close unused air vents. If you have central AC you can close air vent in rooms you’re not using so you’re not paying to cool them.
- Plant trees to provide shade on the sunny side of your home.
- Use ceiling fans to cool off for less. Ceiling fans use no more electricity than a standard light bulb. However, be sure to turn fans off when you leave — they only cool people, not rooms.
- Install more ceiling fans. Because the breeze of a fan can make you feel three to four degrees cooler, you can raise that thermostat and still stay comfortable.
- Raise the temperature on your thermostat by a few degrees to save on your cooling costs.
- Install a programmable thermostat to adjust your temperature during the day.
