Keep a lid on summer cooling costs

by Center for Personal Finance editors

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (7/10/06)--According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 45% of your utility bill goes for heating and cooling your home and drains more of your energy dollars than any other system in your home. But simple changes can cut costs significantly, particularly during months when air conditioning can take a huge bite out of your budget (Purdue University July 6).

Experts at Purdue University recommend several practical, inexpensive steps during the dog days of summer:

Keep plants at a distance. Don't plant flowers or ornamental grasses next to the air conditioner unit. They end up blocking air flow and make the unit run less efficiently. You'll pay more because the unit runs hotter and longer, and the unit will wear out quicker.

Keep it clean. Clean or change the filter on the inside unit at least once every 90 days, and clean the coils on the outside units at least once a year.

Insulate the window unit. This prevents hot air from seeping in and cool air from escaping.

Go programmable. Set the thermostat so the temperature bumps up while you're gone.

Don't block air flow. Remove rugs, furniture, and other obstacles from air conditioning vents.

Close the curtains. Keep direct sunlight from coming in and warming up the house during hot summer days.

Use some fans, turn some off. Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air, but limit the use of bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans.

For more information, read "Energy Bill Helps Home Improvers and Hybrid Car Buyers" in the Home & Family Finance Resource Center housing section.