For financial reasons or environmental ones, most people would like to save money on cooling costs during the summer.

Tuesday, June 19, 2001

For financial reasons or environmental ones, most people would like to save money on cooling costs during the summer.

Most ways to do so are just common sense, Ronn Robinson, American Electric Power corporate communications consultant, said.

Reducing electric usage can be done in a variety of ways.

It helps to raise the thermostat on air conditioners a few degrees, Robinson said.

Next, turn off lights and appliances when they are not needed to eliminate wasted power, he said.

Also, on hot, sunny days, draw blinds or curtains on the sunny side of a house. The incoming sunlight "can act like a greenhouse effect," Robinson said.

The Comfort Institute Inc., an international indoor comfort research, training and consumer protection organization, also has several tips for efficient cooling.

Avoid running a clothes dryer when it is hot outside. The machine blows hot air outdoors where it can be pulled in by the air conditioner. That makes the machine have to work harder to cool the air.

Using all appliances during cooler temperatures is more cost-effective, Robinson said, adding that it also helps to make sure that laundry machines and dishwashers are full before they are run.

A yearly check-up and tune-up for cooling systems is a good investment to make sure they do not fail and to assure that they operate efficiently, the institute says.

A check-up can find problems like leaks in ducts. Typical duct systems can lose 25 to 40 percent of the energy put out by a central heat pump or air conditioner through leaks. The best way to seal these is to have a contractor use brushed on mastic rather than duct tape.

Also, most air filters should be replaced or cleaned once a month for the system to operate safely and effectively.

Finally, cooling systems over 12 years old are at a significant risk of failing permanently. It is sometimes better to replace an old air conditioner or heat pump with a new system, which can be up to twice as efficient.

For more information on the Comfort Institute’s recommendations, visit its Web site (www.comfortinstitute.org).

Even without these money-saving techniques, this region is fortunate in its electric rates compared to other regions, Robinson said.

"In general, people in Southern Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia enjoy some of the best electric rates in the country," he said.

This is because the electric plants are located close to the primary energy source -coal – and they are close to rivers to transport the fuel.