Rising gasoline prices will probably mean fewer escapes this summer to the shore or the mountains. And for those on fixed incomes, the cost of keeping cool may stretch finances to the limit.
With that in mind -- and with assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy and the nonprofit Alliance to Save Energy -- here are some tips for being more efficient as the heat rolls in:
Chill out.
On days when air-conditioning isn't crucial, open the windows and use portable or ceiling fans. When air-condition you must, use a fan with your window unit to push the cool air farther.
Keep TVs and lamps away from your thermostat.
The heat they generate can make central air-conditioning run longer.
If your air conditioner is old, upgrade to a newer model.
It could save you up to 50 percent on your electricity bills. Look for a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) of 14 or higher on central systems and the Energy Star label on room units.
Consider installing a whole-house fan or evaporative cooler.
Ceiling and other fans provide additional cooling and better circulation, so you can raise the thermostat and cut air-conditioning costs. Energy Star-rated ceiling fans do even better, moving air up to 20 percent more efficiently than other models.
Why get warmer?
Air-dry your dishes instead of using the dishwasher's drying cycle. Use the microwave or barbecue grill instead of the range or oven.
Lower the thermostat on your water heater.
Set it at 115 degrees.
Take showers instead of baths.
This will reduce hot-water use. Wash full loads of dishes and clothes; use cold water to wash clothes, and do it at non-peak hours.
Avoid using lots of unshaded rock, cement or asphalt as landscaping on the south or west sides of your house.
It will raise the temperature around the house and radiate heat to it even after sunset.
Proper insulation can increase your comfort and reduce your cooling costs up to 30 percent.
Start in the attic, where temperatures can reach 115 degrees, followed by exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawl spaces. Insulate and seal attic air ducts, too.
During the cooling season, keep your house closed tightly in the daytime to keep heat and humidity out.
Don't run a dehumidifier at the same time as the air conditioner. Dehumidifiers give off heat and will force the air conditioner to work harder.
Prescription: Sunblock.
Sunny rooms mean air conditioners must work harder. Put up light-colored window shades, drapes or blinds to reflect heat away from the house. Close south- and west-facing window curtains during the day.
Think ahead.
A well-maintained cooling system will run more efficiently and use less energy. So be sure to clean or replace AC filters monthly, or as needed. Also, keep both outdoor and indoor air-conditioning coils clean. Dirt buildup on the indoor coil is a major cause of poor operating efficiency.
Back to nature.
Shrubs should shade air-conditioning units -- a shaded unit uses less electricity -- but be sure the shrubs don't block airflow.
Plant leafy trees on the house's south and west sides.
They'll help keep things cool in the summer and, after the leaves drop in the fall, let the sun's warmth shine in.
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Here is another way to save some bucks: try checking out the Drive $marter Challenge (www.drivesmarterchallenge.org). You can enter your specific vehicle data and figure out how much money you can save my taking six fuel-efficiency steps. They also provide other fuel-efficiency tips and discount maintenance coupons to help you save on gas costs – Kat, Alliance to Save Energy
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