As energy rates soar, everyone needs affordable ways to beat the heat. With hot weather already upon us, now is the time to give your home a "checkup". Here are six tips from Controlled Climate to make sure your summer electric bills don't blow your cool!

	Don't run your clothes dryer when it's hot out. Your dryer blows air out of your house when it's drying clothes. And for every cubic foot of air it blows out, a cubic foot of hot outside air gets sucked in that your air conditioner has to cool down. Run your dryer late at night or early morning and you'll have lower electric bills. Even better, use a "solar powered" clothes dryer: a clothesline in the back yard!
	Have your duct system tested for air leaks. Many think that windows and doors are the major cause of a home's energy wasting air leaks. But according to recent research by the Department of Energy (DOE), leaks from gaps, joints and disconnections in the typical home's duct system are much more significant. The DOE states that the typical duct system loses 25% to 40% of the energy put out by the central heat pump or air conditioner. Leaks are usually the biggest problem. Controlled Climate recommends sealing your ducts with a brushed on "mastic". Duct tape often dries out and fails. It turns out duct tape is great for many things, but sealing ducts isn't one of them!
	Replace your air conditioner or heat pump air filter. Most systems need this done every month to ensure safe and efficient operation. Some filters, such as electronic air cleaners, need to be thoroughly washed on a regular basis.
	Have your air conditioner cleaned and tuned. A preseason tune up is a great investment. It reduces the chances of breakdowns in the middle of summer and more than pays for itself through more energy efficient operation. Make sure the contractor cleans both the indoor and outdoor heat transfer coils, and checks the refrigerant gas charge by measuring "superheat" or "subcooling".
	Consider replacing your old air conditioner or heat pump. Just like a car, central cooling equipment doesn't last forever. If your system is over 12 years old and you are planning to stay in your home more than a few years, many authorities recommend replacing it before it fails permanently. A new system improves comfort, is more dependable, creates less air pollution and pays for itself through energy savings. New units are up to twice as energy efficient than they were 10 years ago. Choose one with an EPA "Energy Star" label.

Call Controlled Climate at (770) 432-3869 for our Metro Atlanta office or (229)838-4758 for our South Georgia officeor e-mail us today!