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Did you know that trimming your cooling costs is one of the quickest ways to manage electric bills? That's because this expense accounts for nearly half of your household energy costs.

When you keep your cooling (HVAC) system in shape and set it for maximum efficiency, you'll enjoy comfort and energy savings. As your savings connection, we're providing tips to help you do just that. Set your thermostat to savings. To begin, set your thermostat as high as comfortable during summer and as cool as comfortable during winter. You can save up to 10 percent on your annual cooling bills just by adjusting your thermostat 7-10 degrees for 8 hours each day from its normal setting. The recommended spring/summer setting is 78 degrees or as high as comfortably possible.

Do-it-yourself maintenance. To help your HVAC system operate at maximum efficiency, first clear vegetation, fallen leaves, and any obstructions that are closer than two feet from around the outdoor compressor unit. This gives the unit the unrestricted airflow it needs. Also, change those air filters inside your home regularly. Your system works harder to keep your home comfortable when filters are clogged.

Plan ahead for system tune-ups. Don't risk having to call a professional because your system goes out on a scorching summer day. Schedule regular maintenance - at least once per year - to ensure your unit works efficiently when you need it most.

During a service call, the technician can clear the drain of any clogs, clean the fan blades on the outdoor unit and get rid of buildup on the indoor evaporator coil. This wise investment will save energy and money, keeping your system in shape longer.

Upgrade when it's time. If your system needs repairs on a regular basis or is more than 10 years old, replacing it can result in big time savings. Today's high-efficiency heat pumps reduce energy use by about
50 percent compared to older models.

Heat pumps also keep a constant and comfortable temperature throughout your home - something you don't get with an electric furnace. That's because heat pumps move heat instead of generating it. As an added benefit, they also dehumidify the air inside your home, using less energy to cool your home during the summer.

WFEC does offer incentives that help manufactured homeowners or those in the market to purchase manufactured homes upgrade from an electric furnace to a high-efficiency heat pump. Contact the energy services department for more information about this program.

By helping you reduce energy use and make your home more energy-efficient, we're connecting you to savings