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Save cool cash this summer

Release Date: 6/16/2005
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – High temperatures are here, but that doesn't have to mean high energy bills. EPA's Energy Star program has advice on smart ways to keep cool with energy-efficient products and practices.

The average family spends $1,500 a year on energy bills, nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. To help protect against high energy bills, EPA encourages the following:

– Look for the Energy Star label on products such as ceiling fans, programmable thermostats, and room air conditioners.

& Schedule an annual checkup for your central air conditioner with a licensed contractor, and check or replace its air filter once a month.

& Replace an old or broken-down central air conditioner or heat pump with new, high efficiency equipment. Homeowners save as much as 20 percent on energy costs if new equipment is properly installed with properly installed and sealed ducts.

& Seal up gaps and cracks in the basement, attic, around doors and windows. Add insulation if needed. This will help reduce energy bills throughout the winter, too.

& Get informed. For additional ways to make your home more energy efficient, see EPA's Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling on the Energy Star web site or call 1-888-STAR-YES for a free copy.

If half of all American homes were cooled with energy saving Energy Star products, the change would prevent nearly 70 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the emissions of nearly 6 million cars.

EPA is working together with Energy Star partner manufacturers, national retailers, and energy efficiency organizations to make it easier to find cooling products that have earned the Energy Star.

Energy Star was started by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary partnership to reduce air pollution through increased energy efficiency. Today, in partnership with the Department of Energy, the program offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect our environment for future generations. More than 7,000 organizations have become Energy Star partners and are committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses.

For more information on helping the environment and energy-efficient cooling, visit http://www.energystar.gov/cooling.