- According to the Department of Energy you can save as much as 10% a year on cooling by simply turning your thermostat up 7°-10° for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
- Use ceiling fans and portable fans to circulate the cool air.
- Try to save heat and humidity-generating activities (cooking, laundering, and dish washing) for early morning or evening hours.
- Close interior blinds, drapes, or shades to block the sun and heat during warm weather.
- Outside air conditioning units, or condensers, should be shaded.
- Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature than normal will not cool your home faster.
- Install patio covers, awnings, and solar window screens to shade your home from the sun. Shade south and west windows with plants or trees to block the heat during the summer.