Cooling
Along with heating systems, cooling accounts for more than half of the energy you use in your home. So it's probably your largest expense. It's also the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. But that also means that cooling provides you a greater opportunity to do OneThings to save energy.
Room Air Conditioners
Do you have individual a/c units sticking out of your windows? You might be able to save big. Very big! If your air conditioner was made in the 1970s, you are using 30 to 50% more energy than today's best air conditioners to produce the same amount of cooling. Even a unit that's just 10 years old uses 10-20% more energy than a new unit. Which means a newer model could cut your cooling bill dramatically, paying for itself in just a few seasons. Ask your retailer about the most efficient models, or just look for the ENERGY STAR.
Central Air Conditioning
If you plan to replace or install a new central air system, invest in the most energy-efficient model available. Even better, purchase an ENERGY STAR qualified model, which is about 20% more efficient than standard models. The cost savings realized over the lifetime of the system can offset the initial cost. Like your furnace, remember to have your central air tuned up on a regular basis. It's a small cost that will make sure the system is running at the peak of efficiency.
Fans
Most window or floor-standing fans use a tiny amount of energy, so they're great cooling choices. OneThing you can do is use a fan to help disperse air from your room or central air conditioner so you don't have to turn it up as high. Attic or whole house fans are also energy-efficient ways to remove hot air from your home and improve comfort.