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Air Conditioning Efficiency

If you live in a hot climate and use air conditioning, you can expect your electric bills to increase as summer heats up. But there are some home improvements you can make that will keep your home cooler and reduce air conditioning costs at the same time.

Take a few minutes to inspect your home, then create an action plan for energy improvements:

• What type of roofing is installed on your home? Dark colored roofing absorbs a lot of solar energy, and this is converted to heat in your attic and living space. Action Plan: When you next re-roof your home, install white or other light-colored shingles. If you live in a mobile home, install a reflective white roof coating over your existing metal roof.

• How much attic insulation is installed in your home? When solar energy heats your attic, it also moves through the ceiling and heats your home. Attic insulation slows this heat flow, and will also slow heat flow out of your home in the winter. Action Plan: If your attic has less than 6 inches of insulation, add more insulation to total 16 inches or more.

• Do you have shade over your south- and west-facing windows? Bare windows allow the sun to pour into your home. Shade reduces this solar overheating. Action Plan: Install awnings, sunscreens, or curtains over the windows that receive the most sun.

• Are there leaves or other debris built up on the grilles surrounding the outdoor unit of your air conditioner? These obstructions will reduce the airflow over the condenser coil, lowering the efficiency of your system. Action Plan: Use a garden hose and brush to remove any leaves or debris from the outdoor unit. Cut back any bushes that could slow airflow into the unit.

• When did you last have your central air conditioner serviced? Air conditioners are complicated, and need to be periodically cleaned and tuned. Action Plan: Have a professional inspect and tune your system. Be sure they check the refrigerant charge and airflow.

• How well are your ducts sealed? Duct leaks can allow cool air to leak out into your attic or crawl space, or they can draw hot air and moisture into your home. Action Plan: Seal the seams in your ducts with duct mastic. Don’t use “duct tape” since it tends to come loose.