As your year-round, total home comfort provider, you can count on us to help you make the smartest decisions about energy savings in the summer, too. That's why we're sharing our cool AC checklist with you! It will help you decide which AC system is best for your home and how to maintain it. There are also great tips to help you stay comfortable and save in the warm weather.

AC Checklist:

• Get the right equipment and get it installed correctly - Replacing old cooling equipment with a new, energy-efficient model is the best way to save energy costs. But to reach its potential, new equipment must be the right size and properly installed. Improper installation can reduce system efficiency by up to 30% - costing more on utility bills and possibly shortening the life of the equipment (see chart at right).¹
• Bigger isn’t necessarily better – An AC system that's too large won't keep your home comfortable because of frequent "on/off" cycling. Incorrect sizing can also put stress on system components and shorten the life of equipment.
• Change filters regularly – Check filters monthly, especially during heavy use months. If it looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change filters every 3 months to improve efficiency and air quality.¹
• Tune up equipment – Take care of problems BEFORE they happen by scheduling an off-season tune-up – before it gets too hot!¹ Ask about our CoolStart^TM service plan to ensure yours is tuned up.
• Install a programmable thermostat – One of the cheapest and easiest ways to save up to $180 in energy costs and reduce your home's carbon footprint is to automatically heat and cool your home while at work or sleeping.¹ Take advantage of stimulus offerings and rebates! Find out if you qualify for any federal or state tax savings and make the most of special offers – like ours!
• Clear areas around systems or units – Remove leaves and other debris from around system components to improve airflow.¹
• Seal ducts properly – If ducts are leaky, more than 20% of the air moving through the system is leaking into spaces you do not want cooled.¹  Our service technicians test the leakage rate and use duct sealant, a metal-backed tape, or aerosol sealant, to seal duct seams and connections.
• Optimize air flow – If air flow in your cooling system is too high or too low, it may lead to higher utility bills. Our service technicians can also test air flow and make any needed adjustments for optimal performance.¹
• Install ceiling fans – Fans help cool your home by pulling cool air through the house and exhausting warm air through the attic.²

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¹www.energystar.gov. ENERGY STAR is a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy
²U.S. Department of Energy, www.energy.gov