Plant deciduous shade trees | Planting shade trees on the southwest and southeast corners of your home will keep you home cooler during the summer months. If you have air conditioning, shade trees can reduce your cooling needs by 20-100% depending on the size and type of tree and the design of your home. Trees deliver more than a cooler home though, they also help clean the air and increase the curb appeal of your home.
Savings: up to 150 kWh* per summer bill, about $94 each summer
Cost: varies
*For the average Snohomish County single family home with central air conditioning. |
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Add exterior window awnings | Exterior window awnings can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows.
Savings: up to 50 kWh* per summer bill, about $31 each summer
Cost: $50 - $300 per window
*For the average Snohomish County single family home with central air conditioning. |
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Help your AC unit breathe | In order to keep the cool air flowing, clean or replace the air filters regularly. It’s also important to keep the area around the outside compressor free of weeds and debris – check each spring before you turn on the AC for the first time. You'll improve your air quality as well as save energy.
Savings: up to 45 kWh* per summer bill, about $28 each summer
Cost: $5-$20 per filter (depending on type), FREE to clean the space around the outside compressor
*For the average Snohomish County single family home with central air conditioning. |
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Have your AC unit serviced | Have a professional clean and inspect your central AC unit every other spring to ensure that it is tuned and ready for the summer. You’ll save energy and extend the life of your system.
Savings: up to 45 kWh* per summer bill, about $28 each summer
Cost: approximately $150
*For the average Snohomish County single family home with central air conditioning. |
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Upgrade to an electronic thermostat | Installing an electronic thermostat(s) makes it easier to be sure that your home is heated efficiently. The thermostat can automatically change the temperature based on the schedule and settings that you create. Newer "smart" thermostats set the temperature automatically based on your behaviors; they usually can be programmed by a smartphone app.
Savings: up to 100 kWh* per summer bill, about $31 each winter
Cost: $20-$250 (depending on the type of thermostat)
*For the average Snohomish County single family home with central air conditioning.
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Add a ceiling fan or standing fan | Ceiling fans are an energy efficient option for cooling the spaces you use the most. Installing and using an ENERGY STAR ceiling fan can make you feel 6 degrees cooler and save you energy over using an air conditioning system.
Using a ceiling fan to circulate the air can lower both your cooling (if you have air conditioning) and heating costs. If you have air conditioning, a ceiling fan may eliminate the need to use the AC completely on all but the hottest days.
Savings: varies
Cost: varies
*For the average SnohomishCounty single family home with air conditioning. |
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Inspect the seal on your window AC unit | With time, the seal around your window air conditioner can degrade, allowing freshly cooled air to escape back outside. Inspect the seal each spring and replace it if needed. Consult the dealer or hardware store for assistance.
Savings: up to 20 kWh* per summer bill, about $12 each summer
Cost: varies
*For the average Snohomish County single family home with air conditioning. |
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