Tips to Use Less Air Conditioning Comfortably
Green living doesn’t mean suffering in the heat. You can go green, use less air conditioning and save money, all while staying comfortable.
How to Go Green #1: Green Living with Thermostats
As part of a BGE pilot program, we set our thermostat to 80F at 2PM and back to 72F at 7PM on especially hot days. Our house stayed under 75F yet we reduced our electricity usage 72% during the hottest hours of the season1. You can reduce air conditioning use with manual thermostats, but it’s easier with programmable ones.
How to Go Green #2: Green Living with Ceiling and Tower Fans
Fans reduce the need for air conditioning using your body’s natural cooling system. Breezes cause sweat to evaporate more quickly, cooling your body with less air conditioning. Ceiling fans save up to 40% on air conditioning costs2. In rooms with no ceiling fans, use a tower fan.
How to Go Green #3: Green Living with Windows
Even on hot days, the outdoors cools down faster than your home. Keep windows closed daytime when outdoor temperatures are high, opening them once temperatures drop below 70F. Opening windows on opposite sides of your house may even get a nice breeze going…
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