Year after year, Connecticut ranks at or near the top of U.S. states in terms of per capital energy costs – a fact that’s probably not too surprising for those of us living here. Although home heating accounts for much of that usage, home cooling is also a major contributor, accounting for an average of 20 percent of each home’s energy use.

The good news is that with a little planning in the months to come, you could take a bite out of that 20 percent. Follow these five tips to help reduce the amount of energy you will use to cool your home in 2018:

• Reverse your ceiling fans. The direction your ceiling fan spins will determine whether air is pushed down or pulled up through the room. In cooling season, you want it set to spin counter-clockwise to draw cool air up into the room. See your owner’s manual to see how to reverse your fan’s direction.
• Use a programmable thermostat. Keeping your home a few degrees warmer when you’re not home, or when you’re asleep, can save you 10 percent or more on your cooling bill. The easiest way to do that? Use a programmable thermostat. Set a target temperature of about 78 degrees when you’re home to balance comfort with energy savings, then raise it five or six degrees when you’re out and about.
• Change your air filter. A dirty air filter will cause your air conditioner to overwork to force air through your ducts, reducing efficiency and causing unnecessary wear and tear on your A/C. Check your air filter monthly, changing (or cleaning) it when it’s dirty.
• Have your ducts inspected and sealed. A surprising amount of the air you pay to cool never makes it into your living space; instead, it leaks through cracks in your ductwork. A recent joint study by the Comfort Institute and the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA) found that homes with duct systems can reduce energy consumption five to 15 percent with proper duct sealing.
• Get a cooling system tune-up. Getting a tune-up for your air conditioner every year won’t just keep your equipment running at peak efficiency – it will also prevent premature equipment failure. A tune-up from a Casey pro is easy and affordable – especially if you have a cooling system service plan with us. Of course if you need a cooling system repair, we can help you there, too.

Cooling season is coming – contact us today to beat the Memorial Day rush on your annual A/C tune-up, or to learn more ways you can save with Casey!