Energy Efficiency > More Ways to Save > Tips to Stay Cool for Less

Tips to Stay Cool for Less

Up to half of the power used to run a typical home goes to heating and cooling according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). DP&L wants you to know how to keep cool for less during the heat of summer.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to start saving.  You can even save money on cooling your home for free with some of DP&L’s Tips to Stay Cool for Less.

Summer air conditioning tips:

• Use a programmable thermostat to increase the temperature when you are away from your home so your air conditioner doesn’t run as frequently.  Some experts suggest 78 degrees for the setting while you are home.  Even without a programmable thermostat you can manually adjust the temperature higher before you leave your house or before you go to bed.
• Have your unit checked once a year to ensure it’s working as efficiently as possible. 
• Energy Star reports that higher efficiency central air conditioners are 14% more efficient than standard models.  Also, the Department of Energy claims air conditioning accounts for 15% of typical U.S. household energy use.
• Replacing an older, inefficient air conditioner with a new, high efficiency model could save about $150 a year in energy costs.  Right now, DP&L has a program for customers to instantly save $200-600 on the purchase of a new, high efficiency air conditioner. 
• Clean or replace your air filter so your air conditioner meets less air resistance.
• Seal air leaks around doors and windows to keep hot air out and cold air from escaping. 
• Closing your windows and running the air conditioner can help keep your pet safe.  In warm months, many pets fall out of screened windows, according to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton.
• Close registers in unused rooms and close the doors.  Consider closing the registers in your basement if you have a dehumidifier running.  Most basements are naturally cool and don’t need a/c.
• Add insulation to your attic or install an attic fan to exhaust hot air.  Attic fans powered by solar are available and most attic fans turn on when the air reaches a certain temperature.
• Choose energy-efficient windows.

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Using fans in the summer:

• Be sure to drink fluids, as you can become dehydrated sitting in front of a fan. 
• If you don’t have a/c, open windows at night, after the temperature drops and use a fan to circulate cool air.
• Sleep in the coolest room in your house, which may be your basement, if you have one.
• A fan will use less energy than a central air conditioner.  A 65 watt fan running 12 hours a day will cost around $2 a month. 

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Remove sources of heat:

• Halogen and incandescent light bulbs produce heat.  Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are cooler than other bulbs. You can save an average of $1.30 on each CFL at local retailers.
• Use drapes or blinds to block sunlight to keep the heat of the day out.
• Avoid using your clothes dryer, oven and dishwasher during the day.  When you do use them, use low heat settings or turn off the drying cycle on the dishwasher.  Consider drying your laundry on a rack or clothesline.
• Refrigerators generate heat also.  Do you have an extra refrigerator or freezer you could do without?  Consider recycling it.
• Long-term, shade trees planted to the south and west of your home could make a big difference in the temperature of your home during the summer.

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Drink plenty of water in hot weather and ensure your pets have plenty of fresh water at all times and shade when they are outside.  Check frequently on elderly relatives and neighbors who do not have air conditioning.