Summer
- Be a Caring Neighbor
Check on senior citizen who doesn't have air conditioning or offer to check his or her air conditioner for a clean filter and efficiency. You can also buy a fan for a senior citizen who doesn't have air conditioning or a fan.
- Be a Fan of Fans
Operating an air conditioner can cost up to 25 times as much as an oscillating, box or window fan. The fan will not change the air temperature, but you will feel cooler because of the air movement. Make sure you turn the fan off when you're not in the room.
- Would the Last to Leave. . .?
When leaving the house for a significant amount of time, please remember to turn off the lights and raise the air conditioning thermostat to 80 degrees, or higher. A programmable, 7-day thermostat can assist by automating this task.
- Follow the "Cooloer Rule"
Set your air conditioner thermostat at 76-78 F degrees and leave it set at that temperature unless you leave the home for an extended time period. In this case, set the thermostat to 82 until you return home again. Every 1 F degree equlas two percent savings.
- Made in the Shade
Strategically planted trees and shrubs can reduce your air conditioning costs. Trees planted to the south and west provide shading, but might take years to grow. Hardy shrubs can be planted close to your home to provide immediate shading.
- It's Cool to Save
An evaporative cooler (ak.a. swamp cooler) provides ample cooling in Colorado's dry climate while costing 75 to 90% less to operate than an air conditioner. Not only are they less expensive to operate, but evaporative coolers also cost less to purchase and install.
