Green Your A/C

• There are a couple of minor adjustments you can make to your cooling system to help it function on an optimal level, thus reducing energy costs. First, change the filter. The filter should be changed every three months or so, and even more often in the summer. Pop it out; if it looks dirty, it is time for a new one.
  
  Invest in a programmable thermostat. Think about it: You blast the air conditioner (A/C) all night while you sleep, and possibly all day while you are gone so the house will be nice and cool when you get home. You are wasting a lot of energy ... and money! By using a programmable thermostat, you can cool your house when you are home and let the temperature rise a few degrees when you are gone, saving up to 33% of your energy bill.
  
  Additionally, keep heat-producing objects, such as lamps or electronics, away from your thermostat. They might trick it into thinking that your home is warmer than it really is, causing the A/C to run unnecessarily.
  
  

Weatherproof Your Windows

• There is no reason to waste money on cold air that leaks outside. Caulk and weatherstrip all of your windows and doors so a minimal amount of conditioned air will leak through. These materials are inexpensive to purchase; you may spend a weekend afternoon completing the work, but the savings will be more than worth it.
  
  

Passive Cooling Strategies

• Not too long ago, we did not have modern conveniences such as air conditioners. What did people do to survive? They opened the windows to create a cross breeze in their homes. They ran ceiling fans to keep the air circulating, making it feel several degrees cooler. We can use these same strategies, especially in the fall and spring when it isn't too muggy.
  
  Blinds and shades for windows keep sunlight and heat from penetrating a space. Shade trees are a longer-term investment that also can help lower your cooling costs.