This document provides tips for keeping cool in the summer on a budget. It recommends setting the thermostat to 78 degrees or higher when home and 80 degrees or higher when away to save on cooling costs. Other tips include using fans, closing windows and curtains during the day, turning off unnecessary lights and electronics, and installing attic fans or window films. Following these low-cost changes can help keep a home cool while saving money on utility bills.

1. Keeping Cool on A Budget
With the summer days ahead, and the expectations of very hot and humid days, one may become anxious
of the costs of keeping cool on a budget. Making a few simple changes in your home will not only save
you money during the summer months, but will keep your house cool as well. Here are a list of tips and
tricks to keep you cool.

2. Thermostat Tips
Set your air conditioner to 78 Degrees. Did you know that setting your thermostat at 70
degrees costs twice as much than if you set it to 78 degrees? Best thing is, you won't even
feel a difference!
Set your air conditioner to 80 degrees when you are out of the home. When you return
home, just turn the air conditioner back down. This way you don’t have to worry about
waiting to cool the entire house again.
Use an automated programmable thermostat.
Make sure to clean or replace your filter monthly.
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3. Other Tips & Tricks
Keep your windows
and curtains closed
during the day. By
doing so, you will
reduce your cooling
costs by 30 %.
1
Only turn on boxed
fans when there is
someone in the
room to use it.
2
Utilizing a ceiling
fan will make your
home up to eight
degrees cooler. It
also only uses as
much energy as a
100 watt light bulb.
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Did you know that
lights, televisions,
and computers all
generate heat? Make
sure to turn off these
items when they are
not in use.
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4. Tips for the Long Haul
Purchase a thermostat-controlled
attic fan. This will release super-
heated air and keep the entire
house cool. The attic itself can
reach temperatures up to 150
degrees on very hot days.
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Plant deciduous trees like
Maple, Aspen, and Oak. These
trees will keep the home cool
once they grow tall enough to
cover the home.
2
Apply low-emissivity film to
older windows. This will keep
the sunlight from heating up
your house.
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5. With summer just around the corner, it is important to have a game plan in
place regarding keeping cool and staying within a budget. Making a few
changes in your home, using the tips listed above, will not only keep your
home cool, but will also make your pockets a lot happier.

6. www.tudi.com
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