10 Spring and Summer Cooling Tips

1. Get your system tuned-up before the heat hits to make sure it's running at peak efficiency. Maximum efficiency means maximum savings.

2. Keep the thermostat constant; constant adjustments can be inefficient. Consider keeping it set a few degrees higher during the day when no one is home.

3. Set the fan switch on the thermostat to "On" when cooling the house. This will keep the air flowing and prevent hot or cold pockets from forming.

4. Set the air vents on the second floor to receive about 75% of the conditioned air. This will help to even out the temperatures between the first and second floors of the home.

5. Replace older windows with more efficient Low Emissivity (or Low-E) glass. These windows help to reduce the effect of the suns heat in your home.

6. Install and attic fan to ventilate some of the hot air that collects in the attic. Attics can reach temperatures of 140 degrees or higher and this can make the adjacent floor warm and more difficult for your system to cool.

7. Run a dehumidifier in the basement to handle any humidity. A damp basement can add moisture to the whole house.

8. Clear or cut back bushes and shrubs away from the outdoor unit. The sides of the unite require at least a foot to a foot-and-a-half of clearance for proper performance. Keep grass, fallen leaves, dirt and other debris away from the outdoor unit. Additionally, keep the air conditioning coil clean as per the manufacturer's instructions.

9. Don't block vents or ducts inside the home to assure air flow throughout. Caulk and install weather stripping around windows and doors, especially in the attic, to close air gaps.

10. Use shades, blinds or curtains to keep sunlight out. Keep windows and doors close when the AC is running. Turn off other appliances when not in use and turn air conditioners off if you are going to be gone for more than 4 hours.