The Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund is offering tips to businesses and consumers on ways to keep electricity costs low while using air conditioning to beat the summer heat.
Close drapes on windows when it is sunny to keep the excess heat out. At night when temperatures drop, open windows to let the cool air in.
Install ceiling fans that move air around, allowing thermostats to be set higher because the air feels cooler. The electricity used by a ceiling fan is 20 times less than an air conditioner.
Keep heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment well-tuned with periodic maintenance by a service professional.
Locate air conditioning units on a shady side of the house, as direct sunlight increases an air conditioners workload.
Use a programmable thermostat to shut off the air conditioning when no one is at home.
