Summer cooling checklist
In the warmer summer months, take these simple steps to stay comfortable and keep
your electric bill under control.
Set the cooling thermostat to around 75 degrees, as this is where most folks are
comfortable. For more savings you can go up to 77 degrees, but higher settings may
lead to discomfort unless you use personal fans (see
Cooling Hits the Spot).
- When leaving for the day, turn the cooling setpoint up to 85 degrees or install
a programmable thermostat.
- Get rid of high-wattage under-desk heaters in the summer. If staff use these, it's
a sure sign your air conditioner is set too low.
- Turn off unneeded lights, computers, printers and copiers.
- Replace your old style cathode ray tube computer monitors with flat panel displays.
Don't forget to get the $25 EWEB rebate.
- Make sure blinds are adjusted to keep direct sunlight out of the space in summer.
- Change or clean air filters quarterly.
- Keep outside air conditioner condensers clear of cottonwood and leaves.
For more detail, check out our tech briefs on programmable thermostats and comfort or look for our article
entitled "Summer tune up".
