Image: Energy Star

The following article is the first installment in an on-going series in which we’ll explore unique ways to save in each room of the house.

Summer is approaching, and these tips can help transform your living room into the coolest, most energy-efficient oasis in the neighborhood, while simultaneously saving you money. Whether you live in a temperate climate or a scorching desert, these 7 tips are living-room musts:

1. Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs):
You know CFLs can save you 75% off lighting costs, but did you know they can save on cooling costs as well? A whopping 90% of the energy produced by incandescent lamps goes to heat, not light, whereas CFLs are much cooler. Hint: use the Energy Star lighting guide to get the light quality you desire.

2. Close Blinds or Shades
Yep, it’s as easy as it sounds. Closing the blinds or curtains on south or west-facing walls can cut down on solar heat gain during the day.

3. Use Fans, We Can’t Stress This Enough
If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort. And here’s the best part: most ceiling fans use less electricity than a light bulb. Remember to turn fans off when you leave the room, since they work by creating a breeze to cool people, not rooms.

4. Arrange Furniture Properly
Make sure your furniture isn’t blocking vents or air registers and double check that your air can circulate freely. It would be a shame to condition all that air, only to have it blocked by the couch or bookshelf.

5. Close the Fireplace Damper
If your living room has a fireplace, make sure it is not leaking conditioned air out the chimney. Close the damper or seal your fireplace if it is no longer in use.

6. Plug Your TV into a Power Strip
TVs, cable boxes, and other equipment continue to draw power even when they are turned “off.” Plug your living room electronics into a power strip and turn the strip off when they are not in use. You can also find smart meters which automatically cut off the power supply for you.

7. Use a Programmable Thermostat
One of the best investments you can make is a programmable thermostat. It can help save you up to $160 per year and keep you comfortable by turning on heating or cooling according to your schedule.

Already a pro at living room energy efficiency? Pass the savings along to friends or family members by sending them this story. Also, stay tuned for the next installment, where you’ll learn secrets to saving in the kitchen.