Here we go again, summer! But along with the high temperatures and humidity levels, we begin to crave the comfort of air conditioning. If you absolutely need air conditioning, follow a strict diet to avoid a fat power bill. Everything you do to reduce heating costs, including insulation, air sealing and duct sealing, also applies to air conditioning savings. As with heating systems, an efficient envelope allows you to reduce the size of your air conditioner.

Here are some specific things you can do to keep cool at home with or without air conditioning.

• Avoid indoor heat- and moisture-generating activities.
• Reduce the amount of heat in your home by controlling heat sources such as incandescent lights, dishwashers, dryers, ovens and solar gain through windows and insufficient insulation.
• Remove unwanted heat and moisture at its source (showers, laundry, cooking, wet basements and crawlspaces with spot ventilation or drainage.
• Prevent heat and moisture movement from outside to the inside with air sealing and insulation.
• When discomfort is a problem, start with the least energy-intensive solution, such as a fan.
• Using a fan while the AC is operating can allow you to increase the temperature and still feel comfortable.
• Using ceiling fans instead of, or in conjunction with, the AC will increase your comfort at higher thermostat settings by moving air over your skin, creating a wind-chill effect by evaporating sweat and cooling you off.
• Shade sunny windows with landscaping, shades, curtains or awnings.
• Open windows at night.
• Use natural ventilation instead of AC.
• When using the AC, close all windows and turn off exhaust fans (unless they are removing source heat and/or moisture).
• Upgrade older central AC systems with new, high-efficiency compressors.
• Increase your AC’s lifetime and reduce its operating costs with proper periodic maintenance, including checking the refrigerant level, condensate drain, controls and air filters, and cleaning the evaporating and condenser coils. Clean or change filters monthly and clean the cooling coils and fan blades as needed.
• Central air conditioners rely on ductwork. This ductwork needs to be properly sealed, insulated and balanced to provide maximum efficiency.
• Have the compressor professionally serviced at least every two years.
• Use a programmable set-up thermostat to automatically turn the AC off when you are out of the house and turn up the temperature at night.