Originally published August 6 2005
Cooling efficiency starts at home
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
There are simple measure you can undertake to increases the cooling efficiency of your home, thereby lowering costs.
The higher the summer temperature, the higher my cooling bills are.
A good way to begin is with an energy audit of your home to detect waste and gauge the efficiency of your current cooling system.
You can obtain tips and checklists from your utility company, the U.S. Department of Energy or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
A check of your home can help you spot areas that need attention or problems that you can fix and save money.
� Hire a professional to seal and insulate leaky ducts, and to ensure that the airflow distribution system serving your equipment is operating at peak efficiency.
You can save money by keeping your house warmer than normal when you're out and keeping the setting at 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you're home.
� Replace single-pane windows with double-pane windows with high-performance glass.
Q. I need to purchase a new air-conditioning system.
While energy-efficient appliances may cost more up front, they may save you money in the long run.
To compare models, check the black and yellow EnergyGuide labels that the FTC requires on most major appliances.
The labels provide useful information about energy efficiency and estimated annual operating costs.
Q. Someone called me and asked to come to my house to demonstrate a device that I can put on my air conditioner that will make it cool better and cut my bill in half.
Unfortunately, when the temperature and energy prices rise, so does advertising for energy-saving devices and services -- including some that are overpriced or bogus.
Remember the Cooling-Off Rule that gives you three business days to cancel a contract if you sign it in your home or at a location other than the contractor's permanent place of business.
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