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Breathe easier and live healthier by improving indoor air quality

The importance of indoor air quality at home, at work and in the classroom

Did you know that, on average, Americans spend a whopping 90% of their time indoors, and that the concentrations of some pollutants may be up to five times higher indoors than outdoors? Both short- and long-term exposure to indoor air pollution can lead to a range of health issues including headaches, fatigue, respiratory diseases, heart disease, cognitive deficits and cancer.

Ready for some good news? Take a deep breath: Healthy indoor air quality has been associated with enhanced cognitive performance, better decision-making and increased
productivity. That’s why TVA EnergyRight® and your local power company are ready to help you improve indoor air quality at home, on the job and at school.

What makes indoor air unhealthy?

Contaminants such as allergens, carbon monoxide, chemicals, radon, smoke and mold all
contribute to poor indoor air quality. There are plenty of potential polluters, too, such as gas
ovens and ranges, wood-burning fireplaces, cleaning solutions, chemicals used in certain paints
and furnishings, outdated heating and air conditioning systems, damp basements, pet dander
and dirty ventilation systems.

What do you need for good air quality?

Fortunately, the recipe for cleaner, healthier indoor air is simple: adequate ventilation and
controls for pollution, temperature and humidity levels. Read on for tips and resources that can
dramatically improve the air you breathe, wherever you may be.

Three ways to improve air quality at home … and save money.

1. Minimize pollutants.

An easy way to improve air quality is to cut down on pollutants like carbon monoxide, radon or harsh chemical cleaning products.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can build up quickly indoors. Have your gas appliances, chimneys, and fireplaces or wood stoves checked annually by a professional. If you haven’t had your home checked for radon, a natural radioactive gas that can build up in your home, now’s the time! According to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), radon is a very serious problem in our state.

Certain cleaning products may also contain harmful chemicals and fumes that can linger in the air; glass cleaners, bleach, air fresheners and cleaning sprays are common culprits. Try to use non-toxic cleaning products whenever possible. For a green, cost-effective clean, we’re partial to distilled white vinegar, baking soda and pet-friendly essential oils.
Find a contractor who can help make sure your home’s ventilation systems are working well and that your air quality is within a healthy range.

2. Tend to your heating and cooling system.

The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 15-20 years. If you’re approaching the end of your unit’s functional lifespan, investing in a new one is an excellent way to improve air quality and lower energy costs.

Not ready for a new system? Be sure to replace your air filter regularly. Clean filters do a better job of trapping dust, dirt, and airborne particulates. Plus, they’re easier on your HVAC system, helping it work more efficiently and last longer.

Keeping your HVAC unit in tip-top shape is another good way to improve indoor air quality. You can knock out your electric HVAC tune-up with a $50 rebate from TVA EnergyRight. Be sure to explore all our rebates on HVAC systems, duct systems, air sealing and more.
EnergyRight.com/Rebates

3. Get your ducts in a row.

Excellent ventilation in your home can reduce the concentration of indoor pollutants. Install an externally-vented exhaust fan in your kitchen and bathrooms, and open windows regularly to circulate fresh air. You can also get your duct system professionally cleaned to keep clean air flowing, seal cracks or holes in ductwork and increase the efficiency of your HVAC system. Don’t know who to hire for ductwork deep-clean or fan installation? Try a TVA-vetted contractor from our Quality Contractor Network.
EnergyRight.com/Quality-Contractor-Network

Three ways to improve air quality at work and in the classroom.

1. Upgrade your HVAC system.

Much like the heating and cooling systems in your home, commercial HVAC systems have a huge impact on indoor air quality. Upgrading your building’s HVAC system can significantly lower your monthly energy bill, help you achieve energy efficiency goals, reduce maintenance costs and control seasonal spikes in energy use while improving workplace or classroom comfort and air quality.

And guess what? TVA EnergyRight and local power company partners are offering business & industry customers incentives on qualifying HVAC equipment.
EnergyRight.com/business-industry/incentives/hvac

Thanks to a partnership with the Tennessee Department of Education’s Energy Efficient School Initiative, TVA EnergyRight and local power companies are also helping public schools throughout the region save on energy costs and improve indoor air quality. Participating public schools learn about saving energy and receive grants to make much-needed energy upgrades, fostering happier, healthier learning environments.
EnergyRight.com/business-industry/school-uplift

2. Purify with photosynthesis.

Treat yourself to a plant or two and infuse a breath of fresh air into your workspace or classroom. Science alert! How do plants purify the air? During photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide (exhale!) into fresh oxygen (inhale!). The process can also remove toxins commonly found in office furniture and heavy-duty cleansers – like formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene – which makes a pretty plant pretty amazing.

3. Reduce emissions

If your work environment is less desk and more distribution, then you may be familiar with the chug-chug of internal combustion forklift engines. Lower emissions and elevate workplace air quality by switching from gas to electric forklifts.
EnergyRight.com/business-industry/incentives/electric-forklifts

Whether you’re at home, at work or hitting the books, TVA EnergyRight and your local power company are here to help you breathe easy. Take the next step toward improving indoor air quality today! Explore all of our resources at EnergyRight.com.

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Get your home ready for spring

You still have plenty of time before you’ll need to crank up the air conditioning at home. Use the spring season to do some maintenance that could help your air conditioner run more efficiently and reliably this summer.

Here are five tips:

  1. Replace air filters before you turn the air conditioning on for the first time. Then, replace them again about once a month until autumn. Clean air filters allow conditioned air to flow easily through your rooms. And they lower the amount of dust, dander and pollutants that get pushed into your indoor air.
  2. Move lamps away from thermostats. Electronics and lamps give off heat when they’re turned on, which can fool your thermostat into thinking the room is warmer than it is.
  3. Seal leaks. If you felt cold drafts coming inside during the winter, find the sources of the leaks and caulk them. Look around ducts, cables and wires on the interior side of outdoor walls. Those same leaks will let cool air escape during the summer.
  4. Switch the direction of your ceiling fan blades. For warm weather, the blades should rotate counterclockwise.
  5. Schedule an HVAC inspection. A qualified HVAC pro can spot problems before they occur and make sure your equipment is maintained and ready for warm weather.
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Invest in energy savings

An investment that can lead to a big return for your family is the same one that will cut your home’s energy use. 

If you want to invest in energy efficiency this year, consider: 

Replacing older windows, especially if they are single-pane models. Old windows are barely better for your home’s comfort—or your energy bills—than windows that stay open all the time. Invest in double-pane windows with low-emissivity (low-e) coatings on the glass, which will keep the cold outdoors and your comfortable, heated air inside where it belongs. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that they typically lose up to 50% less energy than older versions. 

Installing a programmable thermostat. If you’re still trying to remember to turn the heat down every night at bedtime, up again when you wake up, and down again before you leave the house for work in the morning, you’re probably overheating your house. A programmable thermostat will do all the adjusting for you—according to your preferences. 

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Turn the thermostat down

Saving energy during the winter doesn’t have to mean feeling cold in your own home. Here are five free ways to lower your energy bill while staying comfortable indoors. 

  • Lower the temperature in your home by just a single degree. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates you can save 3% on your heating bill for every degree you set your thermostat back during the winter—as long as you leave it there.  
  • Turn off exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom as soon as the steam or cooking smells are gone. It takes only one hour for those fans to blow all of the warm air out of your house, so use them only as needed. 
  • Close the fireplace damper when you’re not burning a fire. An open damper is a hole in your house that sucks heated air out and draws cold winter air in. 
  • Move furniture and rugs away from heating vents so air can circulate freely around the room. That will make your heating system’s work a lot easier. 
  • Open the curtains on south-facing windows on sunny days so the sun’s warm rays can radiate into your home. Close the curtains at night to help trap that heat indoors. 
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How to caulk windows

Caulking is one of the easiest fall home-improvement chores. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started.

A note: Caulk around the windows’ molding and stay away from the movable parts that allow you to open and close the windows.

  1. Caulk on a day when your windows are completely dry inside and out and on a day that is not extremely hot or cold.
  2. Choose a good caulk: Some can be painted; different kinds are compatible with masonry, vinyl or wood; some are formulated for use in humid climates. Also, different caulks are for indoor or outdoor use. Read the label before purchasing.
  3. Collect the caulk, a caulk gun with a trigger, a putty knife, a sponge or rags, and a wire brush.
  4. Use the putty knife to scrape the old caulk off of the windows. If it won’t budge, buy a caulk softener.
  5. Clean the windows with a damp sponge or rag and then dry them. Wait until they are completely dry to apply fresh caulk.
  6. Fill the caulk gun with caulk and point it to the corner of the window farthest from you. Press the trigger and work your way backward. Get caulk in all of the joints.
  7. Smooth out the caulk by applying water to your fingers and working it into the cracks.
  8. Let the caulk dry, which can take several hours.
  9. Read the instructions that come with the caulk and the caulk gun; they’re more detailed and full of tips for success.
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Get your house ready for winter

Even if it’s not cold outside yet, it’s time to get ready for the day when the temperature falls.

Here are five fall jobs that will prepare your home for cold weather:

  1. Caulk windows and doors, even if you did it last fall. Cracks in old caulk can let cold air in and warm air out.
  2. Reverse the direction of ceiling fan blades so they circulate clockwise.
  3. Get your chimney inspected and cleaned if you plan to burn wood this season. Buildup of creosote can cause a chimney fire.
  4. Call an HVAC tech to inspect your central heating system, perform maintenance and do any needed repairs so you don’t lose heat once it gets cold.
  5. Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors before heating season begins.

 

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Illuminating the Outdoors: The Benefits of Electric Outdoor Lighting

When it comes to creating a captivating and functional outdoor space, electric outdoor lighting can work wonders. Whether you want to enhance ambiance, improve safety or extend your time spent outdoors, electric outdoor lighting offers a myriad of benefits. Let’s explore the advantages of illuminating your outdoor areas with electricity.

Enhanced Ambiance and Aesthetics. One of the primary benefits of electric outdoor lighting is its ability to transform your outdoor space into a captivating and inviting environment. With a variety of lighting options available, such as string lights, spotlights, and pathway lights, you can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Highlighting architectural features, trees or garden elements adds depth and visual interest to your outdoor areas, making them more visually appealing for both you and your guests.

Increased Safety and Security. Outdoor lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing safety and security around your property. Illuminated pathways, stairs and entrances help prevent accidents and tripping hazards, ensuring that you and your guests can navigate the outdoor space safely, even after sunset. Well-lit exteriors also act as a deterrent for potential intruders, as a well-lit property is less likely to be targeted. Motion-sensor lights add an extra layer of security by instantly illuminating when they detect movement and alerting you to any potential threats.

Extended Outdoor Living Time. With electric outdoor lighting, you can extend your time spent in outdoor areas long after the sun sets. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening outdoors, properly lit spaces allow you to fully appreciate and utilize your outdoor living areas. Electric lighting provides ample illumination for activities like dining, socializing or reading, making your outdoor spaces functional and enjoyable well into the evening hours. This is especially important as days begin to get shorter.

Electric outdoor lighting offers numerous benefits, from creating a visually appealing ambiance to enhancing safety and security. Illuminate your outdoor spaces with electric lighting and enjoy the multitude of advantages it brings to your outdoor lifestyle.

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Save Energy and Money: Four Tips for Cooling and Heating Your Home

Did you know that the energy used to cool and heat your home contributes to the biggest chunk of your monthly bills? By following some simple steps, you can reduce your energy consumption and save money while also doing your part for the environment. Let’s explore how regular maintenance, upgrades, insulation, air sealing and thermostat settings can help you achieve these goals.

  1. Regular Equipment Maintenance. Keeping your cooling and heating systems well-maintained is crucial for their efficient operation. Regularly clean or replace air filters to ensure proper airflow because clogged filters can make your system work harder and consume more energy. Schedule professional maintenance checks to identify and fix any issues promptly. This will keep your equipment running smoothly and reduce energy waste.
  2. Upgrades and Efficiency. Consider upgrading your cooling and heating equipment to more energy-efficient models. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates they meet high efficiency standards. These newer systems are designed to use less energy while providing optimal performance. Although the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term savings on your energy bills will be worth it.
  3. Insulation and Air Sealing. Insulating your home properly is like wrapping it in a cozy blanket. Adding insulation in your walls, attic, and floors helps to keep the desired temperature stable, reducing the workload on your cooling and heating systems. Additionally, sealing air leaks around windows, doors, and ducts prevents drafts and minimizes energy losses. Check for gaps and cracks and use weatherstripping or caulk to seal them. This will enhance the overall efficiency of your home and save energy.
  4. Thermostat Setting. Adjusting your thermostat settings can significantly impact your energy consumption. During the summer, set your thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re away or asleep. In winter, lower the temperature slightly in the same situations. Installing a programmable thermostat can help automate these adjustments, ensuring optimal comfort and energy savings.

By implementing these energy-saving measures, you can make a substantial difference in your monthly bills and contribute to a greener planet. Regular maintenance, equipment upgrades, insulation, air sealing, and smart thermostat usage are all simple steps that can save you up to 30% on your energy bills while helping the environment. Start making these changes today and enjoy the benefits for years to come.

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Become a fan of fans

Running indoor fans on hot summer days can help your family stay cool and your energy bills remain manageable.

A few tips:

  • Running a fan is cheaper than running the air conditioner. If August presents you with a comfortable, breezy day, turn the a/c off and run floor fans instead.
  • If you have ceiling fans, run them while the a/c is on. Fans don’t cool a room, per se. Instead, they move air around to create a breeze that feels cool on the skin of anyone in the room. For summer, the fan will push air downward if you switch the blades to move counter-clockwise. You might even be able to turn the thermostat up a few degrees while ceiling fans are running.
  • Turn off all fans if you’re not in the same room as the fans. The fan isn’t cooling the room; it’s cooling the people in it. So if a room is empty, a running fan is a waste of electricity.
  • If your fans are mounted in windows, don’t use them on days when the outdoor air is hotter than the indoor air. Window fans—and your window-mounted air conditioner’s fan setting—pull outdoor air into the house.

Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

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6 ways to cool off a hot room

  1. Keep heat and sunlight out of indoor rooms during the day by closing windows and window coverings.
  2. Open those same windows overnight to let cool, nighttime air into your house.
  3. If some windows are naturally shaded by trees or shadows, open them during the day. Opening more than one can create a cross-breeze that will quickly cool off the house.
  4. Switch the direction of ceiling fan blades. In the summer, blades should spin counterclockwise to push cool air down into the room. Turn the fans off when nobody is in the room.
  5. Add an energy-efficient portable dehumidifier to a room that tends to be too warm. Humidity can make a hot room feel even hotter. Removing the humidity makes the room feel cooler.
  6. Use the microwave or outdoor grill to cook dinner. Heat-producing indoor appliances like the stove, dishwasher and clothes dryer lose a lot of heat to the air in the room. Wait until after dark when it’s cooler outdoors to turn on appliances.
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Dusty indoor air? Your ducts might be leaking

If the air inside your house is dusty, it might mean your air conditioning ducts have sprung leaks.  

If you’re changing your air conditioner filter regularly, it will trap dust and pollutants that get into the indoor air so they never make their way into the duct system—or back into the air.  

But if the ducts have tiny holes or cracks or joints that aren’t well-sealed, dust can bypass the filter and sneak directly into the ducts. Once dust gets in there, the duct system will blow it all over the house. 

Dust in the ducts and in the air can raise the temperature in your home and force your air conditioning system to operate inefficiently and struggle to keep your home cool during the summer. 

It’s well worth it to have the ducts of your air conditioning system sealed at the joints. 

Not only will it prevent dust from flying around your house, it could reduce your air conditioning bills this summer. The average house loses about 20 percent of its conditioned air through ducts that are improperly installed or are leaking at the joints. 

A house with “clean” air also is less likely to trigger dust and pollen allergies to family members while they’re indoors. 

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Get your house ready for spring

It won’t be too long until you can open the windows and start enjoying fresh air and warm weather. Is your house ready?

Here are five items to add to your springtime to-do list that might help your home feel more comfortable and cared for before it gets hot:

  1. Call a qualified service technician to inspect and maintain your air conditioning system. Paying $100 or so now could prevent a huge expense this summer if your system breaks down on a hot day and you have to have it repaired or replaced in a hurry. Maintenance goes a long way toward preventing emergencies and can prolong the life of your equipment.
  2. While you’re outdoors planting and pruning, trim all of the bushes and pull all of the weeds near your air conditioner’s outside condenser unit. Remove any fallen tree limbs that landed on it, brush off leaves that have collected on or around it, and pick up trash that found its way there as it sat unused all winter. Anything that touches the unit and prevents air from circulating around it will make it perform inefficiently.
  3. While you’ve got your shovel and spade out, consider planting some shade trees on the sunny side of your house. As they grow, they will filter the sunrays that can beat so fiercely on your windows in the summer and make your air conditioner work harder.
  4. Speaking of windows, if your house still has single-pane versions, this is a good time to replace them with double-pane models. Single-pane windows are energy inefficient and can drive your air conditioning bills through the roof. You could save several hundred dollars on cooling and heating bills every year if you replace your drafty, old windows.
  5. Clean your windows, inside and out. Newer models are simple to clean because you can tilt them toward the inside of the house so you can reach both sides. Clean windows let more sunlight into your house, which means you won’t have to turn on as many lights.
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Tame the humidity in your home’s air

Condensation, “fog” or frost on your home’s windows is a sure sign that they’re too inefficient to keep cold air out in the winter and in during the summer.

Moisture in the air condenses when it touches a cold surface, causing the glass to “sweat” like a cold glass of iced tea on a hot day. Condensation can form on the glass and even pool on the window sill. And like any excess moisture, it can eventually lead to mold and mildew. It also can damage your windows over time.

One solution: Replace drafty, single-pane windows with double-pane versions that are more energy efficient. If that’s not an option right now, install storm windows to add an extra layer of glass, and try taming the humidity inside your home. Here’s how:

  1. Install ventilating fans in every bathroom, and turn them on before every shower. Let the fan run until the “fog” clears out of the bathroom, but no longer. Overuse of exhaust fans can send your home’s comfy, air-conditioned or heated air right out of the house.
  2. Use the hood fan over your stove when you cook. Cooking sends moisture into the air—along with lingering odors. The fan will rid your home of those smells and humidity. Again, run the fan just long enough to clear the air.
  3. Vent your clothes dryer to the outside. Check the duct for leaks, especially at the point where it’s attached to the dryer, and for obstructions that can prevent hot dryer air from escaping to the outdoors.
  4. If you run humidifiers inside the home, don’t overdo it. It’s possible to add too much moisture to indoor air.
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Spring cleaning equals energy savings

Many of your once-a-year spring cleaning chores can save energy all year round. Some examples:

  • Clean windows inside and out. The cleaner the panes are, the more sunlight can shine through them, making it less necessary to turn on lights and run space heaters in the spring.
  • Replace the air filters in your HVAC system. If they’re full of dust, dirt and pet hair, air will have a hard time passing through them. Poor airflow makes your air conditioner work harder to do its job.
  • Clear fallen branches and leaves and other debris that might have fallen on the outdoor unit of your air conditioning system over the winter. For the unit to work properly, air needs to circulate around it.
  • Climb a ladder and dust ceiling fan blades. When the fan starts running, it can knock accumulated dust into your room, which is bad for air quality and can wind up in in your air conditioning vents or filters.
  • Snake your dryer vent or hire a pro to do it for you.
  • Pull your refrigerator slightly out from the wall and vacuum behind it. If your fridge has exposed coils, vacuum those, too.
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Five reasons to plant a tree in your yard

Hot summer days aren’t too far off. Why not start thinking about planting some shade trees in your yard to keep your family cool?

Here are five benefits of shade trees around the house.

  1. Planting shade trees strategically around your house can shield your home from hot sunrays in the summer. The less heat and light that comes through your windows, the cooler your home will be, and that means you could rely less on air conditioning. That can lead to lower electric bills.
  2. A hedge of trees and plants adds privacy to a backyard patio. But trees don’t only prevent others from seeing in; they can block an unsightly view and even diffuse noise from nearby streets and parks.
  3. Beautiful trees can boost your property values—by up to 15%, according to some nurseries. That makes planting a good investment.
  4. Trees that flower or those with leaves that change colors before they fall during autumn can add beauty to your landscape.
  5. Trees are good for the environment. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air, which slows the buildup of the gas in the atmosphere.
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Should I close off unused rooms during winter?

It seems that if you close the door to an unused room, you can avoid paying to heat it, right?

The opposite is true. When you close off an interior room, or if you close the air vents in that room, your heating system has to work harder and can even break down as a result.

The reason: Your home’s HVAC system is designed to keep the whole house comfortable by distributing heat evenly throughout. If you close off a room or a duct, you reduce the airflow to that room and force your system to work harder to heat it up.

That can cause a pressure imbalance, which can damage your ducts or your heating system.

Here’s a better idea: Save money and energy by using caulk to seal air leaks around windows and holes in walls where cables enter the house. Add insulation to the attic. Install curtains that are thermally insulated. Replace your outdated thermostat with a programmable one that will lower the temperature at bedtime and when everyone leaves the house in the morning.

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Get refrigerator ready for the holidays

If Thanksgiving or Christmas will be celebrated at your house this year, your family members aren’t the only ones who will be stuffed. So will your refrigerator. 

Is it up to the task? 

In fact, if your fridge is more than a decade old, it might not be. Today’s models—those bearing the Energy Star label, at least—use at last 15 percent less energy than current federal standards require, and 40 percent less than models in the early 2000s, according to the Department of Energy.  

Yet more than 60 million households have refrigerators that are more than 10 years old, DOE says. By replacing it with a new, energy-efficient model, you could save up to $300 in electricity charges over its lifetime. 

When shopping for a new refrigerator or freezer, read the EnergyGuide label. It tells you how many kilowatt-hours of electricity the unit will consume over a year of operation. The smaller the number, the better. Look for refrigerators that have a freezer on the bottom or the top, as side-by-side designs consume more energy. Chest freezers are typically better insulated than upright models.  

Whether you’re buying a new fridge this year or not, follow these tips for more efficient use around the holidays: 

  • Brush or vacuum your refrigerator’s coils regularly to improve efficiency by as much as 30 percent. 
  • Keeping your refrigerator full shouldn’t be hard this time of year and doing so will help your unit retain cold better. If you have trouble keeping it stocked, fill the extra space with bottles or containers of water.
  • If your milk is frosty in the morning, reduce the refrigerator’s temperature. Refrigerators should be set between 36 degrees and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Freezers should stay between 0 degrees and 5 degrees.
  • Put a dollar bill in the door’s seal to see if it is airtight. If the dollar slips out easily, so will cold air.  
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Don’t let a full house send energy bills through the roof

Preparing a Thanksgiving feast means you’ll be using more energy than usual.  Here’s how to keep it under control: 

  • Lower the heat a couple of degrees before company arrives. You’ll be using the stove and oven all day, so the house will be warmer than usual anyway. Plus, people generate heat, so a cooler house will feel more comfortable. 
  • Keep an eye on the refrigerator and freezer so you’ll know the doors at snugly closed. Doors that aren’t tightly sealed will send cold air into the kitchen. 
  • Wait until the leftovers cool off a bit before placing them in the refrigerator. The appliance has to work harder to cool hot food than to keep cool food cold. 
  • Place lids on pots and pans as you use them for cooking. The lids keep heat in, so food cooks quicker. 
  • Heat up whatever you can in the microwave instead of on the stovetop or oven. Microwaves use about half the energy as your oven. 
  • Fill your oven with as many different dishes as you can fit and cook them all at once. As long as the recipes don’t call for temperatures that vary by more than 25 degrees, everything should cook or bake evenly. 
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Don’t make your A/C work so hard

Summertime seems to be getting hotter every year. This season, prepare your home in advance so relying more and more on your air conditioning won’t show up as much on your electric bill.

Here are five ways to give you’re A/C a break this summer:

  1. Call an HVAC technician. A professional can examine your system and let you know what needs repairing or replacing, which can prevent a mid-summer breakdown.
  2. Change or clean air filters. When filters do their job properly, they trap dirt, pet hair and anything else that’s floating in the air from recirculating into your home when the air conditioner is blowing. But dirty filters can prevent air from flowing, too, which makes the A/C have to work extra hard to cool your house. The solution: Change or clean your filters once a month during the summer.
  3. Run ceiling fans. When the A/C is running at the same time as a ceiling fan, the room where the fan is located will feel cool enough that you can raise the thermostat by about 4 degrees. A fan doesn’t cool the air, but it creates a breeze that makes anyone in the room feel cooler.
  4. Install a dehumidifier. Another great partner for the A/C is an energy-efficient dehumidifier. Lowering the humidity in your home helps the air conditioner work more efficiently because it doesn’t have to waste energy removing moisture from the air and can concentrate on simply cooling it.
  5. Don’t create heat. On days when it’s warm enough to turn on the air conditioner, turn off your oven, clothes dryer, lamps and other appliances that create heat. Wait until after dark, when the day cools off a bit, before running heat-producing machines.
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Set A/C at 78 degrees

The U.S. Department of Energy and most electric utilities recommend that you set your thermostat at 78 degrees during the summer.

Before you leave for work, crank it up to 85 degrees and before you turn in for the night, nudge it up to 82, the DOE recommends.

If that sounds a bit toasty for summertime, consider inching your thermostat up 1 degree at a time rather than all at once if you usually keep yours set at 72 in the summer—as most Americans do.

And consider replacing a manual thermostat with a programmable model so the settings will change automatically.

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