COOL SUMMER TIPS  from

STOP THE SUN'S RAYS FROM ENTERING YOUR HOUSE. Solar heat contributes about 50 percent of the heat that accumulates in the home. Close shades or drapes to block sunlight. Shade windows with awnings. The most economical operation of your system comes from setting the thermostat properly. Set the thermostat at the highest summer setting or the lowest winter setting at which you are comfortable. Typical settings are 78 degrees for summer cooling and 70 degrees for winter heating. When cooling, your operating costs increase from 3% to 5% for each degree your thermostat is lowered. When heating, your operating costs increase for each degree your thermostat is raised.

DON'T INCREASE THE HEAT TO YOUR HOUSE. Use heat and humidity producing applicances sparingly. Make sure no heat-generating appliances are near your thermostat. These include lamps, TVs, stereo and computer equipment. Reschedule cooking, laundry, and bathing to morning and evening hours. Turn off the furnace pilot light; wrap the water heater if it is in a conditioned space; and be sure the dryer is vented to the outside. Internal heat gain contributes about 20 percent of the heat in the home.

USE NATURAL COOLING WHEN APPROPRIATE. Whenever the outdoor air temperature and humidity are comfortable, ventilating with outdoor air will carry heat away and reduce air conditioning costs. When humidity is high or if you have allergies, this may not be possible.

MAINTAIN YOUR AIR CONDITIONER. Maintain your air conditioner by changing or cleaning the filters at least twice during the season. Keep fins and coils on the ourside unit free from leaves, dust, grass clippings or other debris. There are several types of air filters and several possible locations for the air filter. Ask your service contractor where your air filter is located and which type of filter to use.

KEEP AN AIR-TIGHT HOUSE. Keep an air-tight house by adding insulation to outside walls and to the attic. Seal cracks and use storm doors and/or insulated doors to prevent air leaks.

KEEP VENTS AND GRILLES UNOBSTRUCTED. Keep vents and grills unobstructed. Arrange your furniture and drapes so that all output vents and intake grills are free from obstruction. This will reduce the cooling and heating load on your system for more economical operation.

KEEPING THE AIR FILTER CLEAN. Your system will operate efficiently and economically by keeping the air filter clean

INSULATED ALL AIR DUCTS. Be sure all air ducts are well insulated. Ducts also should be sealed with a vapor barrier.

EXHAUST FANS USED EXCESSIVELY. Excessive use of kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans will make your system work harder, increasing energy consumption and costs. Why heat or cool the outside? Keep costs in check by making wise use of exhaust fans.

DRESS COOLLY, USE FANS, AND DRINK LIQUIDS. In addition to these suggestions, you will be more comfortable if you dress coolly, use fans, and remember to drink lots of liquids.

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