Ever hear the song: “In the Good Old Summertime”? It’s a lighthearted tune (made famous by Judy Garland in 1949) that reflects the innocence and outdoor splendor of summer.

Fast forward to today and what do we find? We find many area residents bemoaning their ever-increasing home cooling costs. Kind of defeats the whole “good old summertime” vibe, don’t you think?

We get it, and now we can help you do something about it with these DIY energy saving tips:

1. Install ceiling fans – Placing ceiling fans in heavily used rooms will circulate air and increase comfort. This also allows you to set your thermostat at a higher temperature, and that’s where the energy savings come from.

2. Open windows at night – Opening at least two windows will create cross-ventilation and generate a cooling breeze throughout your home. Add a new attic fan into the mix, and you can reduce electricity costs even more.

3. Block the sunlight – While streaming sunlight will brighten a home’s interior, it also will increase the inside temperature. The installation of solar blinds will deflect a substantial amount of the sun’s rays and keep your house cooler. Another option is to keep your curtains and shades closed during the day.

4. Raise your thermostat – Most folks prefer a setting of around 72º F. However, raising the temperature by a few degrees will result in a significant reduction in cooling costs.

5. Install a programmable thermostat – A programmable thermostat will regulate the function of your A/C system by automatically adjusting the temperature throughout the day based on your chosen settings.

6. Don’t use the stove or oven – Cooking meals on the stove or in the oven makes your home feel hotter and makes you want to crank up the AC. Summer is the perfect time to use your outdoor grill or gnaw away on salads.

Another key to keeping your cooling costs in check is annual AC preventive maintenance – a specialty of the house here at C&D Cooling & Heating. It consists of a comprehensive system cleaning and inspection service that serves to reduce cooling costs, reduce and sometimes eliminate repairs, and extend equipment life. Contact us today to schedule service and make this one a good ol’ summer to remember.