Guldborg Mohamad

As the temperature increases, so does the price of cooling your home. But a new federal law might help keep your property both cool and cost-effective.

In January, the U.S. Department of Energy increased the minimum performance requirements for air conditioners and heat pumps from 10 to 13 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Although homeowners aren't required to replace systems that are significantly less than 13 SEER, this can shave 23 per cent off energy bills.

Consider SEER reviews like gas mileage: The larger the SEER or miles per gallon, the more energy "mileage" you receive. So as SEER levels increase, your cooling and heating products use less energy, giving you more bang for the money while providing real environmental benefits through decreased energy consumption.

"The new 13 SEER standard not merely conserves energy but inaddition it reduces related co2 emissions," says Rick Roetken, director of marketing at Indianapolis-based Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems.

Bryant recently introduced a fresh distinct 13 SEER designs that provide superb efficiency, savings and comfort. The increased top-of-the-line Evolution System reaches quantities of up to 20 SEER while allowing users to manage cooling, heat, moisture, indoor quality of air, times and maintenance reminders from the single, easy-to-navigate source.

To keep your home cooling system at peak efficiency, Roetken recommends having it inspected at least once a year by way of a skilled support technician. Here are some additional tips:

* Install more attic insulation. Replacing from 3 inches to 12 inches may reduce cooling costs by 10 percent.

* Plant a tree. One your cooling costs can be reduced by well-placed shade tree by 25 per cent. Place leafy shade trees to the south and west and evergreens to the north.

* Use field and ceiling supporters to greatly help circulate air at home.

* Set the fan in your central ac to "on" as opposed to "auto." Air will be circulated by this continually, keeping the temperature constant throughout the house and assisting in dehumidification.

* If you utilize a window ac system, make sure it's the proper size. It is safer to get one which is too little as opposed to too large. A larger system will set up and switch off with greater regularity and will not do as good work dehumidifying the air.

* Choose programmable thermostat. I found out about