Keep Your Air Conditioning In Check (NAPSA)—The warmestdays of summer have manyof us turning down our thermostats in search of comfort. To keep cool this summer, without sending yourutility bills soaring, follow these tips: Turn the thermostat up when you're going to be away from home for more than eight hours. Install a programmable thermostat to automatically raise the temperature when you’re away from home and lower it before your return. * Don’t obstruct airflow. Keep plants and landscaping three feet away to ensure properairflow. Clean or changeair filters monthly, and more often if the air conditioner is in constant use, operates in dusty conditions, or you havepets. A dirty filter causes your air conditioner to work longer and harder, resulting in increased utility bills and more wear and tear on the unit. When the sweltering days subside, use fans to keep air circulating and cool your home. How old is your equipment? Older models may not be as energy efficient and you may save moneyby installing a more energy efficient model. Have your cooling system checked early in the year by a NATE-certified technician to insure optimum performance. aon [ oe fil vw I< — a A! | Z 7 wal A offs Yah Installing a more energy-efficient air conditioner can make financial sense. Ask an expert. This information is provided by North American Technician Excel- lence (NATE), the nation’s largest nonprofit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) technicians. NATE-certified technicians know heating and cooling. The U.S. Department of Energy endorses NATE for its dedication in raising quality standardsfor installation and maintenance of HVAC/R equipment and contributing to increased energy efficiency. To locate a contractor employing NATE-certified technicians in your area, visit the Consumer Contractor Connection on the NATE Website at www.natex.org and click on the “consumers”icon.
