It is no secret that Chicago weather is unpredictable. One thing is certain, however -- the Windy City summers are notoriously hot. With the summer temperatures regularly soaring into the 90's -- often accompanied with unbearable humidity -- Chicagoans are always looking to beat the heat. With energy costs hovering at all time highs and a nationwide emphasis on conservation, Chicagoland's leading residential heating and air conditioning provider, Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning, announced today a list of the Top 10 tips for consumers to conserve energy and save dollars this summer without sacrificing comfort.

The HVAC experts at Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning located in Chicago offer the following tips for consumers to heed this summer:

Top 10 Tips for Conserving Energy and Save Cold Hard Cash in Hot Summer Months

    1.  Be Shady. Close shades, blinds and curtains during peak hours of
        10 a.m.-3:00 p.m. when the sun is hottest. Pretty simple but can make
        a big impact on your energy bill.
    2.  The Early (and Late) Bird Saves Bucks. Run appliances that emit heat
        -- such as dryers and dishwashers -- in the early morning or late
        evening hours when it is generally cooler outside.
    3.  Be a Cool Cook. When meal planning, use the microwave or BBQ grill
        outside to keep the oven off and the kitchen cool. As everyone knows,
        heat rises. Oven use can increase a home's temperature up to 10
        degrees!
    4.  Flip the Switch. Take advantage of daylight. Turn off all unnecessary
        lighting that radiates heat. Also, don't place lamps or TVs near your
        air conditioning thermostat -- the heat from these appliances will
        cause the air conditioner to run longer.
    5.  Fans are Fantastic. When using your air conditioning, utilize ceiling
        and electric oscillating fans to circulate cooled air.  If you do not
        have an air conditioner, partially open windows for cross ventilation.
    6.  Stay in the Zone. Keep your thermostats for central air conditioning
        at a constant, comfortable level while at home (72-74 degrees).  When
        temperatures are above 90 degrees, raise the thermostat setting
        another degree or two -- you'll still feel cool but save some cash.
    7.  Dirty=Dollars. Check your air conditioning filter monthly. Dirty
        filters restrict airflow and can cause the system to run longer using
        added energy.
    8.  Face North. Whenever possible, avoid landscaping that uses un-shaded
        rock, cement or asphalt on the south or west sides of your home
        because it increases the temperature around the house and radiates
        heat to the house after the sun has set.
    9.  It's Great to Insulate. If you have an attic in your house that is not
        insulated or is under-insulated, insulate it ASAP. Upgrading from 3
        inches to 12 inches can cut cooling costs by 10 percent.
    10. Go Green.  Plant shade trees around the outside of the house. Don't
        plant trees on the South if you want to benefit from passive solar
        heating in the winter.