May Heat Wave: Tips to cut your cooling costs

A late-May heat wave has people in Western New York looking for ways to cool off.   Many have turned on air conditioning, which if run often, can be just as expensive as winter heating costs.

"It can run from $100 to $300 a month," said Tony Cellino, owner of Cellino Plumbing & HVAC in Elma.  His business is one of several air condition service/repair companies that are fielding a large number of calls for help due to the weather.

Cellino said there is increased interest in solar panels on homes which can dramatically cut electrical costs for air conditioning.

Service technicians say that often calls are for things that can help cut your cooling costs, such as clogged filters, and can be easily done by owners.  Changing furnace filters is another item that frequently gets overlooked and will prevent proper air flow.

Even air condition window units need to have their filters cleaned monthly or they can use extra electricity.

Fans are still the least expensive cooling equipment to purchase and use.

7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly takes a closer look at ways you can "Make Ends Meet" by saving on cooling.

National Grid has a interesting link that provides many ideas for saving money.  Even winter tips, like having proper insulation in a home, can make a big difference in the heat.  

https://www9.nationalgridus.com/niagaramohawk/non_html/eff_heatcool.pdf