EPA has some important and eco-friendly tips on how to stay cool in the hot summer heat without compromising your eco values.

They include

5. Find and seal air leaks that cause drafts and make your cooling system work overtime. Sealing and insulating your home can prevent the loss of cooled air and help save up to 10 percent on your energy bills each year.

4. Look for the Energy Star when purchasing cooling products for your home. Products such as room air-conditioners and programmable thermostats that have earned the Energy Star operate more efficiently, which saves money and help protect the environment.

3. Schedule annual, pre-season maintenance checkups with a licensed contractor to ensure that your cooling system is operating efficiently and safely. Be sure to clean or change your system’s air filter regularly (generally once a month).

2. Install a programmable thermostat and use your ceiling fans wisely. Turn your thermostat up several degrees when you are away (and your home doesn’t need to be kept as cool). And use your ceiling fans only when you are in the room to save even more.

1. Visit our interactive web-based tool, Energy Star @ home, to learn more ways to make your home energy-efficient. Homeowners can see where they’re doing well, find areas for improvement and learn how they can use energy more efficiently to save money and enjoy year-round comfort in their home. Homeowners will also be able to share their home improvement stories or read and learn about others who have saved through energy-efficient upgrades.

I’ll keep these in mind as the temperatures creep on up!

via epa