NIPSCO offers cooling tips

Following these efficiency tips throughout the year to help reduce your energy consumption:

Make sure your home is well-insulated. Install or add to attic insulation. Install a programmable thermostat to save energy while you’re away from home, and bring the home temperature to a comfortable level by the time you return. Clean thermostat yearly by removing the cover and carefully blowing away dust. Thermostats should be on an inside wall or where they’ll not be subject to sunlight. Keep blowers and motors of heating and air conditioning equipment lubricated for more efficient operation

Change filters often throughout the season as dirty filters block the flow of air. Do not take down storm windows or sheets of clear plastic. If your home is air-conditioned, they’ll help keep it cooler.

Uninsulated ducts and pipes should be wrapped with low-cost fireproof insulation to avoid loss of cooled air. Just as in winter, check heating distribution ducts for cracks, holes or separations at joints. Ductwork tape will suffice for repairs. If garage is attached, those windows, walls and doors should be insulated, especially the wall that adjoins the house. Weather-strip or caulk all cracks and crevices. An attic and/or garage exhaust fan removes hot air from the attic and helps reduce the cooing load of the air conditioner.

Don’t go in and out of doors needlessly. Frequent opening and closing of doors wastes heat and money.

Install Place window air conditioning units on the cool side of the house if possible. If using central air, the compressor/condenser unit located outside of the home should be shaded.

With a cooling system, keep the house at the minimum comfort level. Each degree cooler than 78 F uses substantially more energy. At night, raise the air conditioner’s thermostat setting. Make sure all sun-exposed windows have draperies. Keep them closed to keep the sun out on warm days.