That Makes Cents: Cool Savings

WSVN -- The heat is on as we officially head into summer, and that means your electric bill is about to skyrocket.

Tom Smith: "The average family has a 1,500 to 2,000 square foot house and their power bill is running $4 to $500 a month."

But Tom Smith from All Year Cooling and Heating says there are ways to bring those cooling costs down. Now may be the best time to replace that old AC unit with a high-efficiency one because the federal government will help you out.

Tom Smith: "If you buy a $5,000 central AC unit, the government is going to give you back $1,500 which is a straight federal tax credit."

And switching to a new energy-saving unit can slash your power bill in half, but if you're not in the market for a new AC, you can still save by taking some simple steps.

Change your filter once a month. A clean filter will help your AC run 10-percent better.

Tom Smith: "If you don't keep your filters clean on the unit that just clogs the unit up and makes it run harder and longer."

Invest in a programmable thermostat. Some sell for as little as $30 at Home Depot. Set it for 78 to 80 degrees when you're not home and keep it on the auto setting so the fan doesn't run continuously.

Tom Smith: "That'll probably save you $25 to $30 a month by just doing that."

Use a caulking gun to fill any leaks in windows or doors and you can also buy window film to help keep your home cool.

Tom Smith: "Minor things can save you a significant amount of money."

Craig Stevens: "If you really want to save money and help the environment buy a reusable filter then wash it once a month."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

All Year Cooling & Heating
Tel: (954) 566-4644
www.allyearcoolingandheating.com

The Home Depot:
www.homedepot.com