Summer Energy Tips
Things to do before it gets hot:
- Have your central air conditioning units professionally inspected every two years. A well-maintained appliance will last longer, operate better and save money.
- Inspect the caulking or weather stripping around windows, doors and any openings for utility services. A drafty house lets cool air escape and is much more costly to keep cool – especially on the hottest days of the season.
- Replace the air conditioner filter for the start of the cooling season and check its condition monthly. Dirty filters block airflow and force equipment to work harder -- this increases operating costs and can cause damage.
- Place window air conditioners on the north or shady side of the apartment or house to avoid overworking the unit in the hot daytime sun.
- If shopping for appliances such as refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners look for the Energy Star label and purchase the most energy efficient unit you can afford. These newer more energy-efficient models will lower monthly operating costs.
Things to do especially on the hottest days
- Keep your thermostat at a constant, comfortable level (75 - 78 degrees) when you are home. Lowering the thermostat setting too far will not cool your home faster.
- To reduce heat and moisture in your apartment or home, run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or evening hours when it’s generally cooler outside. Also, use a microwave to cook, or barbecue outside, if possible.
- Keep shades, blinds and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows. Simply drawing blinds and curtains, which act as a layer of insulation, can reduce heat gain to your apartment or home. Window coatings like treated plastic sheets reflect as much as 80 percent of direct rays from the sun.
- Turn off all unnecessary lighting and appliances, which add heat to the home.
- Use fans to circulate cooled air. This will more evenly distribute cool air, and can reduce the “on” time of your air conditioner. During summer months, blades should spin clockwise to evenly distribute cooler air.
- Keep vents clean with a vacuum or broom and do not cover ducts with drapes or furniture that can block the airflow.
- Keep doors to the outside, garage or attic firmly closed to keep cool air in and hot air out. Keep the fireplace damper closed tightly when not in use.
For more energy saving ideas, visit www.exeloncorp.com/PECO/energytips.