Here are a dozen easy-to-implement tips to keep you cool and save money.

1. On hot days, delay heat-generating activities such as dish washing until evening.
2. Keep the house closed tight during the day. Don’t let in unwanted heat and humidity. Ventilate at night either naturally or with fans.
3. Use ceiling fans to increase comfort levels at higher thermostat settings. The standard comfort range for light clothing in the summer is between 72 F and 78 F. A ceiling fan can provide air flow that can extend the comfort range to 82 F.
4. Buy a high-efficiency central air conditioner. Look for a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating above 13.
5. Mini-blinds can reduce solar heat gain by 40 to 50 percent.
6. Maintain your air conditioner annually to maximize efficiency.
7. If you have an older central air conditioner, consider replacing the outdoor compressor with a high-efficiency unit. Make sure that it is properly matched to the indoor unit.
8. If buying a new air conditioner, be sure that it is properly sized. Your Mechanical Energy Systems home comfort consultant can help here.
9. Try not to use a dehumidifier at the same time your air conditioner is operating. The dehumidifier will increase the cooling load and force the air conditioner to work harder.
10. Seal all air conditioner ducts, and insulate ducts that run through unheated basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
11. Don’t air condition unused rooms.
12. Clean your A/C’s air filter every month during cooling season. Normal dust build-up can reduce air flow by 1 percent per week.