The summer is going to be a scorcher but don't let the warmer temperatures burn a hole in your wallet. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering a slew of no-cost cooling tips to help beat the heat.The average U.S. household shells out almost 20 percent of its utility bills on cooling, according to the EPA. By taking steps to improve energy efficiency, consumers can save on many levels.
"You can save energy, save money, and help fight climate change," the group says in an announcement here. Its Energy Star program, which it co-runs with the Department of Energy, offers a handful of low-cost tips such as swapping out incandescent bulbs with more energy-efficient lighting choices.
The EPA's no-cost tips include:
Click here for additional tips from the EPA and here take ENERGY STAR pledge.· Program your thermostat to work around your family's summer schedule—set it a few degrees higher (such as 78 degrees) when no one is home, so your cooling system isn't cooling an empty house. With proper use, programmable thermostats can save you about $180 a year in energy costs.
· Check your HVAC system's air filter every month. If the filter looks dirty, change it, but change the filter at least every three months. A dirty filter will slow air flow and make the system work harder to keep you cool—wasting energy.
· Run your ceiling fan to create a cool breeze. If you raise your thermostat by only two degrees and use your ceiling fan, you can lower cooling costs by up to 14 percent. Remember that ceiling fans cool you, not the room, so when you leave the room make sure to turn off the fan.
· Pull the curtains and shades closed before you leave your home to keep the sun's rays from overheating the interior of your home. If you can, move container trees and plants in front of sun-exposed windows to serve as shade.
