TIPS & TERMS

* Replace your furnace or air handler filters
on a regular basis.
Lack of regular filter changes and
maintenance is the Number 1 cause of
system breakdowns and costly repair bills.

* Keep the thermostat constant.
Continuously adjusting the thermostat can
be very inefficient. You can, however, raise
the thermostat 2-3 degrees during the day
while you're away to save money. For every
degree you raise the setting, you can
expect to cut energy consumption by up to
3-5%.

* Keep the shades and curtains drawn to
reduce the radiant heat of the sun.

* Install awnings or plant trees that will
shade southern facing windows. This keeps
the hottest rays of the sun from shining
directly into the house.

* Replace older windows with more
efficient low-E glass. These windows help to
reduce the effect of the suns warming rays.
The above 3 tips will reduce the heat load
gain on your home which means your air
conditioner doesn't have to work as hard to
keep the home at a comfortable
temperature. This saves money and
extends the life of the system.

* Install an attic fan to help ventilate some
of the hot air out of the attic.
Attics can reach temperatures of 140 - 150
degrees and this build of warm air can make
the upstairs of a home warmer than it needs
to be. This makes the air conditioner work
harder to do its job. It costs you more to
cool your home and the life of the system
can be decreased.

* Clear or cut back shrubs and bushes from
the outdoor unit.
The sides of the unit require at least 12-18
inches of clearance for proper performance.

* Keep fallen leaves, grass clippings, foliage
and other dirt and debris away from your
outdoor unit. And keep the A/C coils clean,
following manufacturers' instructions.
* Don't block vents or ducts inside the
house to assure air flow in the home.

* Caulk and install weather stripping around
windows and doors (especially the attic) to
close air gaps.

* Avoid using the oven during the day. Run
the dishwasher, washing machine and dryer
in the evening, when electricity rates may
be lower and heat from those appliances
won't increase A/C demands.

* Turn off lamps, TV and other appliances
when not in use.
* Consider use of a programmable
thermostat to automatically increase or
decrease temperatures during day and night
to suit a family's lifestyle and reduce energy
cost.

* Use shades, blinds or curtains to keep
sunlight out of the house.

* Keep windows and doors closed when the
A/C is on.

# Set the Thermostat
The most economical operation of your
system comes from setting the thermostat
properly. Set the thermostat at the highest
summer setting or the lowest winter setting
at which you are comfortable. Typical
settings are 78 degrees for summer cooling
and 68 degrees for winter heating. When
cooling, your operating costs increase from
3% to 8% for each degree your thermostat
is lowered. When heating, your operating
costs increase similarly for each degree
your thermostat is raised.

# Keep the Air Filter Clean
The easiest way to ensure your system
operates efficiently and economically is by
keeping the air filter clean. There are
several types of air filters and several
possible locations for the air filter. Ask your
service technician the next time he's out at
your home to show you where your air filter
is located and which type of filter to use. If
you have allergies, you should look at a
pleated allergy filter or a media or electronic
style air cleaner.

# Keep Doors and Windows Closed
Close all doors and windows to the outside.
This will reduce the heating load in winter
and the cooling load in summer. Your
system will operate more economically as a
result.

# Keep Vents and Grilles Unobstructed
Arrange your furniture and drapes so that all
output vents and intake grilles are free from
obstruction. This will reduce the cooling and
heating load on your system for more
economical operation.

# Avoid Excess Use of Exhaust Fans
Excessive use of kitchen or bathroom
exhaust fans will make your system work
harder. This will increase energy
consumption and costs. Keep costs in check
by making wise use of exhaust fans.

# Control Direct Sunlight
Let the sun in during the winter. In winter,
direct sunlight reduces the load on your
heating system. Open window shades and
awnings to increase direct sunlight and
lower the heating load.

# Keep Heat Away from the Thermostat
Make sure no heat-generating appliances
are near your thermostat. These include
lamps, TV's, stereo and computer
equipment.

# Keep an Air Tight House
Ensure maximum retention of heated or
cooled air by adding insulation to outside
walls and to the attic. Seal cracks and use
storm doors and/or insulated doors to
prevent air leaks.