COMBATING SPRING & SUMMER COOLING COSTS Submitted by Sean Welsh, Energy Resource Educator To mitigate cooling costs in the spring and summer, a number of strategies can be used to stay cool when the weather is hot -- and keep your energy costs down. If you haven’t yet, consider an energy audit to find out what kind of air sealing and insulation upgrades could be applied to help with cooling and heating costs year-round! If you are interested in an energy audit, email Sean at cooling costs and keep sw288@cornell.edu or call indoor spaces from 845-292-6180 ext. 127. heating up from the use of stoves and ovens. • Service air conditioners. Routine maintenance of • Seek energy efficient air filters, and take a look window treatments to at your air conditioner’s keep the heat of the sun manufacturer information from coming into the on checking the unit’s home, and don’t forget evaporator coil, which to use them during the should be cleaned warmest parts of the day annually. to keep the hot rays of the sun from overheating • Seal cracks and openings indoor spaces. to prevent the summer’s warmer air from coming • Keep your air into your indoor spaces; conditioning set to caulk and weathera higher setting, the stripping can be used to smaller the difference seal leaks around doors from the indoor to the and windows. outdoor temperatures, the lower the cost of • Open windows and use electricity to power a window fan instead of the a/c. Whole home a/c, and remember that air conditioning can fans cool people, not utilize a programmable rooms. thermostat to select a • Taking your cooking higher temperature when outside on warmer days no one is home to help to a grill can save on reduce costs. Page 6
Extension Connection
May 2021
• When you shower or use the bath, use the bathroom fans to remove extra heat and humidity from your home. • Spring is a great time to seal and insulate ducts, which will help with costs during cooling and heating season. • Swap out your most used light bulbs for energy efficient, Energy Star LED bulbs. Contact Sean to discuss the available programs for NYS residents and different approaches to clean energy projects. Source: “10 Energy Saving Tips for Spring.” Energy.gov. Accessed April 16, 2021. https://www.energy.gov/ articles/10-energy-saving-tipsspring#:~:text=10 Energy Saving Tips for Spring.
