EPA summer cool tips

Source: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/12442b82bfbd8047852575b4005722bd!OpenDocument press release from the EPA, last access 6/16/09. So, according to the EPA, there are some simple, and energy effective things that you can do fairly easily when the weather gets hot to help make your space feel a bit cooler. Some of these things I find myself saying over and over...but really, they do help. You should try them. The science and math has backed them up. For example, reverse the spin on your ceiling fans. The Science: humidity is what makes us feel "really" hot - running a fan breaks up that humidity, so we feel cooler. The energy savings - if you feel cooler, you can bear cranking the thermostat up from 60 degrees (which is not cost effective at all...). Here are some more tips:

• Inspect your duct system for obvious signs of leaks and disconnections (most houses leak 20 percent or more). Seal any leaks with foil tape or a special sealant called “duct mastic.” Also consider insulating ducts in unconditioned areas (like the attic, basement or crawlspace).
• Seal air leaks around your home to keep the heat out and the cool air in. The biggest air leaks are usually found in the attic or basement, but also come in around doors, windows, vents, pipes and electrical outlets. Use caulk, spray foam or weather stripping to seal the leaks. And add more insulation to keep your home cooler this summer.
• Maintain your cooling system. Check your system’s air filter every month at a minimum and change the filter every 3 months. Remove leaves, dirt and other debris from around the outdoor components to improve air flow and efficiency. Have a qualified professional tune-up your system with a pre-season maintenance checkup and, if it’s time to replace your old system, look for models that have earned EPA’s Energy Star.
• Turn off office lights and equipment when not in use so they don’t generate unnecessary heat.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs in your desk lamp with Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs which use two-thirds less energy and generate less heat than conventional bulbs.

These are some great ideas to help you save energy at home, and really, they're simple to do - so at this point, you really don't have an excuse! Good luck keeping cool. The weather has been ALL over the place this year, and I would hate to have no air during a massive heat wave...start getting prepared for that record-breaking summer heat.