Seasonal Tips Spring/Summer

In summer, set your thermostat to the highest comfortable setting. Each degree you raise your thermostat can help you save up to 5% in cooling costs. Consider setting the thermostat at 80 degrees while you are away.

A whole-house fan is a large ventilating fan, typically mounted in a ceiling between a living space and the attic. The fan draws air out of the living space and exhausts it to the attic, where it goes out through the attic vents. For the most effective ventilation, windows in the lower part of the house should be partially opened to bring cooler air into the home.

The best setting is the highest temperature at which you are comfortable. We recommend 78 degrees when you're home and 80 degrees while you are away. As a rule, raising the thermostat setting just two degrees will reduce cooling costs by 5%.

It is best to get a properly sized unit. Although a larger unit may run for shorter periods of time, it will use more electricity due to its larger size. It may also fail to properly dehumidify the home. A properly sized unit will control both temperature and humidity, making the home more comfortable.

Both EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) are indicators of how efficient an air conditioner unit is. The higher the number, the more efficient it is and the lower the operating cost. SEER is used with central air conditioners, while EER is used with room air conditioners.

• For new central systems, SEERs of 12 or higher are generally considered high-efficiency units.
• For room units, EERs of 11 or higher are considered high efficiency.

The current minimum requirement is 10.0 SEER. This is significantly more efficient than older units. Ratings of 11.0 to 12.0 are common and will have lower operating costs. Units with SEERs as high as 15 are available.

The more you use your central air conditioning, the more you will benefit from higher SEER ratings, and the more likely that the additional cost will be offset by energy savings.

If the room has a large area of exposed glass, keep curtains or blinds closed during daylight hours, particularly at times when the sun shines directly in. You might also ask your air conditioning contractor to check whether you are getting enough air in that room. There may be a problem with your duct system.

Ceiling fans can help make the home more comfortable, either alone or in combination with your air conditioner. They increase air movement, which makes the air feel cooler. Keep in mind: They do not actually cool the air. There is no need to run them in rooms that are not occupied or when you are not home.