Run air conditioners without wasting energy

Few people can make it through the dog days of summer without turning on their air conditioners. Men and women concerned about the environment and conserving energy may try to avoid using their air conditioners, but doing so on especially hot days can be challenging and potentially even deadly.

• Use a window unit or zoned system overnight. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that central air conditioners are more efficient than room air conditioners, which are typically installed in windows.

• Have units serviced before summer begins. Wellmaintained central air conditioners will work more efficiently. Routine maintenance of air conditioning systems will ensure that systems aren’t working harder.

• Let fans and air conditioners work together. Using fans and air conditioners simultaneously is an effective way to circulate cool air throughout a home. By running both fans and air conditioners at the same, the air conditioners won’t have to be run as long or as hard as they would if no fans were turned on.

• Conserve energy in other ways. Because the dangers of heat stroke and heat exhaustion are so considerable, men and women should never keep their air conditioners off on hot days simply to conserve energy. Finding safer alternatives to conserving energy on hot days can be just as effective and won’t put consumers’ health at risk. Unplug appliances that are not being used and prepare cold dinners so ovens that can make home interiors feel hotter won’t need to be turned on. In addition, take advantage of the longer daylight hours in summer and keep lights off until the sun goes down. These are safe ways to conserve energy on hot days.