Practical cleaning, upkeep, and energy-saving guides for American homes.
A ceiling fan can let you raise the thermostat about 4°F with no loss in comfort, but only if you actually raise it. How fans save money, the right direction, and the limits.
Air conditioning is the biggest summer cost in most homes. Practical ways to cut it, from thermostat settings and fans to shading windows and shifting usage off-peak.
The Department of Energy suggests 78°F when you’re home and higher when you’re away. How to set a summer schedule that saves money without making the house miserable.
Weak airflow, warm air, ice on the lines, odd noises, and rising bills are early warnings. What each sign usually means and what you can safely check first.
Dirty outdoor condenser coils make your AC work harder. How to shut off power, clear debris, rinse the coils without bending fins, and when to use a coil cleaner.
An AC tune-up typically costs $65 to $200, and service plans run $150 to $500 a year. What you get for the money, common extra charges, and how to keep costs down.