8 tricks to save energy during summer

Reduce the cost of running your air conditioner even further by using it in strategic combination with ceiling fans. Circulating air helps a room feel more comfortable without any additional cooling. As with an air conditioner, you can save money and energy by choosing a ceiling fan with an ENERGY STAR® designation. On average, an ENERGY STAR® certified ceiling fan is 40% more efficient than a standard model.

Using ceiling fans to circulate the cool air generated by an air conditioner will allow you to set your thermostat two degrees higher while still enjoying the same comfort level. Doing this can reduce your air conditioning costs by as much as 14%. Setting your thermostat to 24°C is ideal, as every degree lower will increase your energy consumption by 3 to 5%. In the summer, ceiling fans should be set to turn counterclockwise. Don't forget to switch the fan off when you leave the room.

Take even more pressure off your cooling system by closing your window blinds and curtains and lessening the amount of heat gain a room receives from direct sunlight. This is especially effective for south-facing windows.

A timer can also be a good option for taking control of your outdoor energy usage. One of the main ways it can help is by lowering the cost of your pool's filtration. Pool filtration and heating can amount to as much as 20% of your annual electricity cost.

Programming a timer to turn off the pump for several hours a day will save you energy and stop the noise generated by the pump without sacrificing water quality. You can stand to save up to $100 every summer for an above-ground, 24-ft. diameter pool and as much as $150 for an in-ground, 16 ft. x 32 ft. pool. Note, however, that using a timer with a pool heater is not recommended, as it is important for the pump to work whenever the heater is on.

You can also affix a timer onto outdoor lighting fixtures that are not equipped with a motion sensor or a photosensitive sensor. This will ensure that your lights don't stay on all night after they are not needed anymore.

Exercising your green thumbs and planting the right variety of trees in a couple of choice locations on your property can shade your windows and block hot sunrays. Your home will feel fresher during the summer and your air conditioning system won't have to work as hard, saving you money. By using less energy and planting more trees, you'll be helping out the environment as well.