You make decisions every day in your homes that affect the environment.  Are you ready to make a difference?  Use your appliances with an energy-efficient mindset and you can immediately reduce the harm to our planet.  Here are some air conditioning tips:

Set your thermostat at a comfortable setting (76 degrees) when you are in your home and a little higher when you’re not going to be home.  Consistent climate control is better for the environment and more comfortable for you than allowing your home to get really over-heated and then over-working your A/C to bring the temperature down.

Keep doors and windows closed whenever you are using the A/C.

Keeping the sunlight out during the day will also help to cool your home during warmer weather and your A/C doesn’t have to work so hard to cool your home to a comfortable temperature.

Instead of A/C, use fans and windows to create a breeze in your home.

Keep vents free from obstruction.

Check HVAC air filters regularly.

When possible, keep activities and chores that produce heat and moisture limited to the cooler parts of the day or evening (i.e. dishwashing, laundry, cooking).

Using your microwave is a great cooking alternative.  Using your microwave instead of your oven or range creates less heat and humidity in your home.

Use fans (especially oscillating fans) with your A/C unit.  Fans circulate the cool air and relieves the A/C from having to work as hard to cool your home to a comfortable temperature.