Beat the heat

Summer’s officially here, so airconditioners are back in use. Here are some tips from the NY Daily News:

• Turn down the lights and pull the shades to reduce heat. You can turn on fans to help circulate cool air.
• Avoid installing airconditioners in south-facing windows. The sun’s heat can make the unit work harder and consume more energy.
• Clean the filter monthly to reduce electricity consumption.
• If you have a window unit, extend the accordion-like extension panels all the way to the window frame to prevent cool air from escaping.