KCPL Kids - Conserving Electric Energy, Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is one of the most expensive appliances to operate in our homes. Almost 12% of the electricity we use in the United States is for air conditioning.

Before there was air conditioning, many homes were built with features designed to keep the house cool, such as wide eaves, deep porches and cross ventilation. They were sometimes positioned to take advantage of shade trees and breezes for cooling. Today's modern houses usually depend on mechanical cooling to keep them comfortable in hot and humid weather. Air conditioning is called mechanical because it uses machinery and energy to work.

Here are some tips for the most effective use of fans:

Avoid activities that add heat and humidity to your home especially during the hottest part of the day. For example, use the dishwasher or dryer in the evening after the sun sets.
Plant shade trees to block the sun's heat. As the trees grow, they can reduce your cooling bills considerably.
Close drapes and shades on windows during the day to keep heat from the sun out.
Use a ceiling fan or portable fan to help make you cooler. This lets you raise the thermostat about 6 degrees and use less energy.
Turn off lights when you don't need them. Three-fourths of the electricity used by incandescent bulbs waste heat rather than light.

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