Cool Changes Start At Home

Friday, March 1, 2002

Cool ChangesStart at Home (NAPSA)—As temperatures rise this summer, the U.S. Envi- ronmental Protection Agency (EPA) through its ENERGY STAR program is helping families across America stay cool, save money, and help protect the environment for many seasons to come. Because a family typically spends $1,300 a year on energy bills, nearly half of which is used to cool and heat the home, just a few changes can makea realdifference as America gets ready for the summer. The EPA hopes to encourage homeowners to take a look at their cooling systems this summer to see what changes mayberight for them. EPA is working closely with manufacturers, retailers, and utilities—many of whom are offering sales, rebates, and other incentives on cooling products—to bring this message to homeowners across the country. “ENERGY STAR can help each of us make a change this summer —one that will save energy and money as well as make an enormous difference now and for our future,” said EPA Administrator Christie Whitman. If one household in 10 bought ENERGY STAR labeled heating and cooling products, the change would keep 17 billion pounds of pollution out of the air this year. To help Americans stay cool this summer, EPA hasthe following recommendations: Out with the old, in with the new. If your central air conditioning equipment is more than 10 years old, it is probably time for a replacement—new cooling equipment that has earned the ENERGY STAR label can keep you just as or more comfortable, while using 25 to 40 percent less energy than 10-year-old models. Replacing old ceiling fans and dehumidifiers with new ENERGY Make a COOLCHANGE Laee to ENERGY STAR@ Energy-efficient cooling sys- tems can help keepelectric bills from heating up this summer. STAR labeled models can also help to lower your energy bills and keep your home comfortable. Seal it up. Seal your ducts to distribute cool air where it needs to go and improve the indoor air quality of your home. Keep the cool air in by adding insulation to your home, weather-stripping and caulking, and choosing ENERGY STAR labeled windows when replacing old windows. Make a smart purchase. When replacing central and room air conditioning equipment, make sure it is properly sized and installed. Bigger is not always better, and equipment that is too large can lead to high energy costs and reduced comfort. Find problems before they occur. If your cooling equipment needs frequent repairs and your bills are increasing, it could mean your equipment is becoming less efficient. ENERGY STAR recommends having an annual maintenance check-up by a certified professional. Put your hometo the test. Find out how you can makeenergyefficient improvements to your home with the Home Improvement Toolbox. Visit www.energystar.gov and click on “Put your home to the test.” For more information about making a Cool Change this summer, visit www.energystar.gov/ coolchange, or call 1-888-STARYES (1-888-782-7937).

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