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Use a ceiling fan to keep cool and cut down on energy cost . While you ’re at it , switch out the incandescent light bulbs for extra Department of Energy nest egg .
As Memorial Day weekend approaches , it feel like summertime is just around the recession . Once temperature rear , the average dwelling spends almost 20 percentage of its public-service corporation bill on chill , grant to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency . Increased vigour yield to run cool off system not only raises cost , it also contributes to contamination that adversely affects the quality of the line we take a breath .
before long , you ’ll be looking to beat the passion , so use these seven tips from the EPA ’s Energy Star program to help oneself you turn off cooling costs , protect your wellness and save vigour .
1. Change to more efficient light bulbs.
commute out incandescent Inner Light lightbulb with more energy - efficient lighting choice . Energy Star qualified inflammation not only uses less energy but produce more or less 75 percentage less heat than incandescent lighting , so cooling bills will be reduced , too .
2. Find the best thermostat settings.
If you have a programmable thermostat , program it to work around your class ’s summertime schedule — lay it a few degree higher ( such as 78 degrees ) when no one is nursing home , so your cooling system is n’t cooling an empty firm .
3. Use ceiling fans optimally.
Run your cap fan to create a cool breeze . If you levy your thermostat by only 2 degrees and use your ceiling rooter , you’re able to glower chill costs by up to 14 percent . think back , ceiling buff cool you , not the way , so save energy by turn off the fan when you leave the room .
4. Maximize shade.
take out the curtains and shade closed before you leave your home base to keep the Dominicus ’s rays from overheat the DoI of your home . If you could , movecontainer treesandpotted plantsin front of sunlight - exposed window to serve as nicety .
5. Reduce oven time.
Cook with amicrowave , toaster oven or grill alternatively of an oven when you may . Ovens take longer to cook intellectual nourishment and can make your house warmer , often requiring your AC system to kick in to keep your family at a comfy temperature .
6. Check air-conditioner filters.
Check your cool down system ’s air filter every month . If the filter looks marked-up , change it . A good formula is to exchange the filter at least every three months . A marked-up filter will slow air stream and make the organisation crop hard to keep you coolheaded — waste energy . Also , remember to have your system service annually to ensure it ’s escape at optimum efficiency for money and energy savings .
7. Plug duct-system leaks.
As much as 20 percent of the air moving through your base ’s epithelial duct system is miss due to leakage and pitiable connections . Seal duct work using mastic sealant or metallic element tape , and insulate all the ducts you may get at , such as those in Attic , crawlspaces , unfinished basements and garage . Also , ensure connections at venthole and register are well - seal where they meet floors , walls and ceilings . These are common emplacement to find leaks and abrupt ductwork .
