Home Economics: Beating the heat, cutting energy costs

Nature doesn't appear willing to cut consumers a break. Neither does the economy.

Longer, colder winters turn quickly into prolonged, hotter summers. To add insult to injury, it seems to be happening while the cost of energy is skyrocketing.

This week's 90-degree-plus days tested the endurance of even those who thrive on sultry weather. As household electric meters spin at warp speed, how can you rein in energy costs and remain as comfortable as possible?

"My first response would be to add insulation to ensure a well-sealed house, but if homeowners cannot manage it in the middle of a heat wave, I understand," said Ronnie Kweller, a spokeswoman for the nonprofit Alliance to Save Energy in Washington.

A no-heavy-lifting alternative: buying an Energy Star-rated programmable thermostat for "as little as $25."

"When the house is empty, the thermostat could be turned up and set to have the temperature drop to more comfortable levels by the time you arrive home," Kweller said.

Just doing that can cut energy expenses 10 percent, she said, adding that the cost of cooling a house in summer averages about 12 percent of your annual energy bill.

Most utility companies and energy-efficiency advocates recommend raising the thermostat to 78 degrees when you're home, 85 degrees when you're away. In a 2,400-square-foot house, the savings per degree would equal $4, according to Georgia Power in Atlanta.

Other fairly easy ways to chill a bit include replacing furnace/air-conditioning filters regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer; closing blinds, curtains, and shades on the sunny side of the house; and using energy-efficient lights that don't produce a lot of heat - or just shutting off the lights when you leave a room.

A variety of sources offer ways to cut costs while staying, if not cool, less hot (for longer-term solutions, you may have to install that extra insulation or replace older air conditioners or central-air systems):

• Massachusetts utility company NStar, among others, suggests using a ceiling fan to create a breeze and keep air circulating.
• To get rid of hot air while cooking, turn on an exhaust fan. The savings on cooling costs will far outweigh the electricity used by the fan.
• Instead of using your oven or stove, which will generate even more heat, fire up the outdoor grill.
• Take lukewarm showers and baths to avoid humid air, which holds heat.
• Make sure your dehumidifier is the right size for your home. It can be a big drain on power.