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Keep cool, save energy and save money by following these simple
recommendations from the ENERGY STAR program at the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. By using energy more efficiently in your home, you do
the right thing for the environment by helping prevent air pollution
from power plants. For complete information on keeping your home
comfortable year-round, get the ENERGY STAR Guide to Energy-Efficient
Cooling and Heating at www.energystar.gov/hvacguide or 1-888-STAR-YES
(1-888-782-7937).

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       ***Save while you're away*** -- Programmable thermostats that have
       earned the ENERGY STAR save you energy and money while you're
       asleep or away, without sacrificing comfort when you're home. By
       automatically adjusting among four different temperature settings,
       you can save up to \$100 per year on energy costs.

       

       ***Keep cool and save with your ceiling fan*** -- Ceiling fans
       help keep you cool and allow you to adjust your thermostat for
       more energy savings. ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans have
       optimized fan blades and motors; those with qualified light kits
       are 50 percent more energy efficient than standard models. Make
       sure to turn your fan off when you leave the room, though. A
       ceiling fan doesn't cool a room\--it only cools you, through a
       wind-chill effect against your skin.

       

       ***Find problems before they occur*** -- If your central air
       system needs frequent repairs, or your energy bills are
       significantly increasing, your equipment could be growing old and
       less efficient. EPA recommends an annual tune-up from a certified
       technician. Dirt and neglect are the #1 causes of system failure.

       

       ***Out with the old, in with the new*** -- It may be time for a
       more energy-efficient replacement if your air conditioning
       equipment is more than 10 years old. ENERGY STAR qualified air
       conditioners and heat pumps offer significant long-term energy
       savings compared with 10-year-old units and use at least 20
       percent less energy than new standard models.

       

       ***Make a smart purchase*** -- When buying a new air conditioner,
       make sure it is properly sized and installed --bigger is not
       always better. Units with too large a capacity will cost you more
       and may decrease your home's comfort. Hire a qualified, licensed
       contractor who uses Manual J or an equivalent size-calculation
       tool.

       

       ***Consult a professional* --** Find an experienced, licensed
       contractor before embarking on any heating or cooling overhaul.
       Visit www.natex.org to find a contractor whose technicians are
       certified by NATE (North American Technician Excellence), the
       leading industry-supported testing and certification program.

       

       ***Save energy, one room at a time*** -- If your room air
       conditioner is getting old and needs replacing, consider
       purchasing an ENERGY STAR qualified model -- it will be at least
       10 percent more energy-efficient. Room air conditioners offer you
       the opportunity to cool your home in "zones." If there are rooms
       that do not need to remain cool consistently, keep the doors
       closed and the air conditioner off to save more energy.

       

       ***Take advantage of special offers*** -- Many contractors,
       utility companies, retailers and manufacturers offer rebates or
       incentives toward the purchase of energy-efficient products. Visit
       www.energystar.gov to find special offers available across the
       nation. Watch local advertisements and utility bill stuffers for
       more options.

       

       ***Find and seal air leaks* --** Hidden gaps and cracks in a home
       can add up to as much airflow as an open window and can cause your
       cooling system to work harder. Home Sealing your home "envelope"
       -- the outer walls, ceiling, windows and floors \-- can save up to
       10 percent in energy costs. Start by sealing air leaks and adding
       insulation, and be sure to pay special attention to your attic and
       basement.

       

       ***Tighten your ducts*** -- It is common to find gaps between duct
       joints in a home, whether new or old. Have your ducts inspected,
       sealed and insulated to increase indoor air quality, maximize the
       movement of cooled air to all rooms of the home, and prevent loss
       of cooled air to areas between walls, ceilings and floors. A
       typical homeowner could save up to 10 percent on energy bills each
       year by having his or her ducts sealed.
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