7. Raise Your Room Temperature
If you can handle not living like a polar bear, try keeping your thermostat at 78 degrees.
Each degree over 78 increases your energy use by 3-4%.
8. Install Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans help to circulate the air, keeping the air temperature 3-8 degrees cooler. Because 
they use much less energy and cost up to 70% less than AC, they are an efficient substitute and/or supplement to help reduce your overall air conditioning use & costs. *To get the proper cooling effect, make sure the fan is spinning in the direction that pushes the air down- NOT up.
9. Don’t Block the Condenser
If you have a HVAC unit, your condenser is outside on the perimeter of your house. Make sure nothing is blocking the condenser (including plants, garbage cans or any debris). For your unit to work most effectively, it needs to have the best air flow possible!
10. Position Condensers & Window Units in the Shade
Condensers and window units installed in the shade, use up to 10% less energy than those in direct sunlight.
11. Install Solar Screens or Reflective Film on Windows
For a small investment, you can replace your screens with solar mesh screens that block 60-70% of the heat generated by the sunlight that shines through your windows. Another option… Adhere reflective film (that is sold by the square foot) to your windows for the same effect. If you buy either product, make sure it properly reflects the heat without completely blocking all light–or you’ll be living in the dark!
12. Replace Old Inefficient Units
If you have tried all of the above suggestions, but you’re unit is still not working well, it may be time to replace it. Although this can be a major expense, a newer more efficient unit can save you tons long term. Kathy, who lives in melting hot Las Vegas, just replaced her HVAC system with an energy efficient unit that not only qualified her for a tax rebate, she has already reduced her energy bill by 37% a month!
*If you are putting in central air, you want a unit with a SEER energy rating of 13 or higher. If you are replacing a window unit, the higher the EER rating, the better. You can replace an old 5 ton EER with a new 10 ton unit and cut your cooling expenses up to 50%!
*If you are installing central air or HVAC , make sure the company you hire does everything properly so you can receive your energy tax credit for up to 30% of the cost of installation.
13. Is Your Unit the Proper Size?
Whether you have a window unit or central system that is too small, you will not only feel warm, your unit will be working over drive in attempt to keep the space cool. Likewise, if your unit is too big, your system may be wasting much more energy than you actually need to cool your space. So if your in the market for a new air conditioner, SIZE DOES MATTER. Take the time to properly size the unit for the most efficient & and cost effective results!
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Really helpful article and the timing is so good. It sure has been hot and our electric bills will prove it. Thanks for the hints to reduce the heat and the bills!
Got a great one for you! We’ve started collecting the water produced by our air conditioner (from the condensation line that runs to the outside of the house and then just drips uselessly to the ground), and you wouldn’t believe how much water we harvest!
It’s not potable water that you would drink, but we’re able to water all of our plants and even the lawn (we have a very small front lawn) without ever turning on the hose! And the best part is that your air conditioner produces more water when you need it most – when the heat really kicks up in the summer.
I bought and installed inexpensive sun roller shades from Bed Bath and Beyond on my front windows and they really make a difference! Don’t buy the spendy ones if you can find a less expensive version at a department store.
i found these tips are very interesting and informative i must follow them in future and also share them with my friends.
I have heard from so many a/c professionals that you should NEVER turn OFF your a/c while you are gone, instead simply buy a programmable thermostat and move it up a few degrees when you’re at work.
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