Cool Info > Heating/Cooling Tips

Cool things you can do.

Replace old, inefficient equipment. Old air conditioners are some of the South’s biggest energy hogs. If yours is more than 12 years old, or has an EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of 8 or lower—even if it’s just noisy—there’s a good chance you can save by replacing it. And if your house has hot or cold spots, excessive dust or humidity problems, those are more good reasons to consider a new system.

Choose your HVAC equipment wisely. In our climate, an SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) of 14 or higher works best, and costs less to run. If you need a window unit, look for an EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) of 11 or higher. They may cost a little more to start with, but with our hot summers, they’ll pay for themselves quickly.

Perform an “energy audit.” The EPA offers easy-to-understand advice on how to detect costly problems and correct them at www.energystar.gov.

Use your programmable thermostat. Almost all modern HVAC systems have them, and it takes just a little practice to learn to learn the money-saving settings. Most experts recommend that you set the temperature around 78 degrees in summer when you’re home—and up to 85 degrees when you’re gone. Program correctly, and the house will can cool off before you come home.

Keep your system clean. Replace your HVAC system filters monthly during the summer. And call us for regular expert maintenance  of your air conditioning each spring. This keeps the heat transfer function efficient, saving you money on your monthly utility bills – and reducing the risk of breakdowns and repairs.

Shade pays. In our area, landscaping can really help keep you comfortable and keep your bills down. Concentrate shade trees and shrubs on the sunny sides of your house, and be sure your outdoor air conditioner or HVAC system is well-shaded, too. This lets it function at peak efficiency. Consider window tinting, too—or just close your curtains when the hot sun comes in. You’ll be amazed at how much you can save.

Chill out indoors. Everything electric—even a light bulb--generates heat when it’s on. In the summer, all that heat can add up to make air conditioning cost more. So remember your mother’s advice, and turn off the lights—TVs and computers, too.
And instead of heating up the stove, consider cooking out when the weather’s nice!