Most people correlate winter heating with high energy bills, but summer cooling could be just as costly too! Depending upon where you live, August might be the hottest month of the season and as the temperature rises you could see a significant increase in how much you are paying this month to cool your home. The best way to save money and combat high energy costs is to make sure you are cooling your home with an energy efficient air conditioner that has had a recent tune up. If your cooling equipment is greater than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a newer more cost-effective model. Sears, the leading home appliance retailer, offers Energy Star qualified air conditioners which use 10% less energy than conventional units. These environmentally efficient air conditioners often include timers for better temperature control, allowing you to use the minimal amount of energy necessary to cool your home. For instance, adjusting the programmable thermostat degrees lower while your family is away from home or sleeping, lets you use less energy. Consequently, you will be saving money and at the same time helping to fight global warming. The company’s wide range of inventory includes favorite brands such as LG, Frigidaire, Kenmore, and GE that bare the Energy Star label. To stretch your money even further, you can save five bucks using one of these Sears coupons!
Energy Star Tips For How To Save On Cooling Costs This Summer
Energystar.gov created a fantastic “Cool Ways To Save” infographic displaying tips for how to save on cooling costs this summer, and important information on helping you save energy, money, and the environment. Check it out!
The essential factor to remember is that your Energy Star certified cooling equipment will work best in cutting utility bills if it is properly installed. Nearly half of all cooling equipment in the U.S. never lives ups to its capacity due to improper installation, which means you end up paying higher operating costs over the life of the unit. Making sure the air conditioner is installed to meet ENERGY STAR Quality Installation Guidelines is just as important as choosing an Energy Star qualified product. According to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America’s (ACCA) HVAC Quality Installation Specification, it is vital to ensure your cooling equipment is:
• Correctly sized to meet your home’s needs
• Connected to a well-sealed duct system
• Operating with sufficient airflow in the system
• Installed with the proper amount of refrigerant
Another key to getting the most out of your Energy Star cooling equipment purchase is to seal off any big air leaks in your house. No matter how efficient your model is, if your home is not properly sealed and insulated, your system will have to work harder to cool the area, ultimately using more energy, and making you less comfortable!
Visit energystar.gov for more advice on how to cut energy and save money this summer!
Sarah L says
I have a programmable thermostat that I use all year long. I only use the AC when it gets above 90 degrees.
vickie couturier says
we use engery star,an you can save your receipts an get a savings when you file taxes or aleast they used to do that,we did on our big appllicances we got that was engery savers
Mer says
Great info, especially the tip about insulation. I like solutions that are both good for me and good for the environment.
Terri K (@tkharmonic) says
Both my new refrigerator and my new computer monitor are Energy Star, and after a month with the new refrigerator I noticed the electric bill was lower.
Rhonda Martin says
I wouldn’t buy any appliance with out the Energy Star approval. In today’s world it’s important to save energy as much as possible. The stimulus to buy energy efficient vehicles back a few years was a great idea and I think they should do the same for appliances every 5 years to encourage people to replace old appliances that are not energy efficient.
RANDY FULGHAM says
my manager of my apartments has finally talked management company into buying new refrigerators so maybe my electric bill will go down-I hope
RANDY FULGHAM says
talked to the manager about energy star products
RANDY FULGHAM says
great tips –but I am ready for fall season…