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Save on Your Summer Cooling Costs with a Programmable Thermostat

When used correctly, programmable thermostats can save you money on your energy bills (about $180 a year) and help fight global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The average household spends $1,900 a year on energy bills, nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling.

You can program your thermostat for savings this summer by:

· Raising your home’s usual temperature setting by 7 degrees when you’re away and 4 degrees when you’re asleep

· Use the “Vacation” and “Hold” features to manage temperatures while you’re away from home for an extended period

· Resist the urge to override the thermostat settings drastically, as this will not cool your home any faster and can cause your system to work harder, costing more on your energy bills.

The EPA is also providing important tips and resources to help you get your energy use on the right track. When visiting the EPA website, you can find:

· Proper use guidelines for setting and maintaining their thermostat, proper installation tips and features of Energy Star qualified models.

· A new video podcast that guides homeowners through choosing the programmable thermostat that is right for you and setting it for maximum energy savings.

Additional ways to save this summer:

· Schedule an annual, pre-season maintenance checkup with a licensed contractor to ensure your cooling system is operating efficiently and safely – as well as identify problems early.

· Be sure to clean or change your system’s air filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions -- generally once a month.

· Find and seal air leaks that cause drafts and make your cooling system work overtime.

· Adjust your thermostat and use your ceiling fan in the counter-clockwise direction to create a wind-chill effect, making you “feel” cooler for additional energy and dollar savings. But remember, ceiling fans cool people, not rooms. So turn the ceiling fan off when you leave the room.