Tip of the Week

Too Cool

Americans are air conditioning addicts. When the weather gets the better of us, we turn our homes and offices into cool and breezy retreats from the sweltering heat. But the cold air comes at a cost. During summer months, half of all energy consumed in the U.S. goes to powering air conditioners, and each year power plants emit 100 million tons of carbon dioxide to meet our AC addiction. Maybe we're too cool for our own good.

As the weather simmers down this summer, adjust the AC relative to the temperature outside--try a setting10 degrees cooler than the day's high temperature. You'll save 3 percent on energy costs for every degree raised over 72 degrees. Or raise the temperature setting even more and turn on a fan. And be sure to draw the blinds and curtains during the sunniest and warmest times of day.

Check out "Keep Your Cool With Less AC" for more tips on managing summer heat with less energy.

© The Green Guide, 2008

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