It’s not too late to prep for a summer of low energy use. Our energy costs often increase over the summer due to lifestyle changes and hot temperatures, but there are proven ways to enjoy the next few months without wasting money on energy.
Get a Tune-Up
According to the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA), “regular HVAC maintenance is said to reduce the risk of costly breakdowns by as much as 95%.” Scheduling a tune-up here will help you reduce energy, save money all year long, and avoid a surprise mid-summer AC breakdown!
Replace Air Filter
This simple and quick change can decrease your air conditioner’s energy use by 5-15%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Depending on your system, monthly is typically a good cadence for a filter change. A dirty filter can restrict air flow which can directly impact summer comfort level.
Close Your Blinds
If you don’t have window coverings, now is a great time to put up some curtains. On summer days, closing your blinds on sun-facing windows can help turn away some of the heat. This will help you save energy and money, and will come in handy when you want to use them for keeping the warmth in during winter!
Use a Dehumidifier
When the air feels dry as it moves across your body, it feels cooler than when there is increased humidity. Controlling humidity will allow you to lower the temperature on your thermostat while maintaining your ideal comfort level. You can get a $30 rebate through the Mass Save® program to help cover the cost.
Fix Air Leaks
Do you experience drafty rooms or inconsistent home temperatures? According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), air leaks are one of the biggest ways that homeowners waste energy. Schedule a no-cost Home Energy Assessment here for no-cost air sealing through the Mass Save program!
Upgrade Your Insulation
Insulation is for summer, too! Air sealing and insulation work best together, providing you with a complete seal that protects you all year long. Energy-efficient insulation upgrades are offered at 75-100% off through the Mass Save program and it will pay for itself in a few years according to the U.S. DOE. Schedule here.
Unplug Your Devices
One fourth of all home energy use is from devices in idle power mode, according to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Get advanced power strips at no-cost here through a Home Energy Assessment, so you can easily cut off the energy supply to devices like phone chargers, computers, and gaming consoles when you go to bed.
Limit Oven Use
Summer is perfect for grilling, which is also great for energy use! Ovens can heat up the room which makes your AC work harder. If you do use it, don’t peek! Every time the oven door is opened to check on dinner, the temp drops by as much as 25 degrees, making your oven use more energy to return to its original temp!
Use a Fan
But only when you’re in the room! Fans cool you down by moving the air around but they don’t actually affect the temperature in the room. You can raise the thermostat setting by 4 degrees without reducing your comfort level with a fan, but just make sure to turn it off when you leave the room!
Program Your Thermostat
During the summer, you probably spend a lot of time outside or even away on a trip! Using a programmable thermostat can save you money by using custom settings according to your lifestyle. Sign up for a Home Energy Assessment here to get programmable thermostats at no-cost!
Upgrade Your Air Conditioning System
According to the U.S. DOE, you can save up to 50% of AC energy usage by upgrading to a high efficiency cooling system and making other changes to lower your cooling costs. As a partner of the Mass Save program, we can show you how to access up to $2,750 in HVAC rebates and 0% financing for up to 7 years to make an upgrade more affordable!
Decrease Water Use
Water use tends to increase over the summer between watering plants, taking more post-swim showers, and playing in the water with your kids. Install low-flow fixtures like energy-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators to combat water waste; even toilets and sprinklers have energy-efficient options to help with lowering energy use and promoting water reduction.
Interested in more tips to lower you carbon footprint and save money on energy costs year-round? Click here.
To sign up for a Home Energy Assessment and access benefits like no-cost energy efficient items, 100% off air sealing, 75-100% off approved insulation, up to $2,750 in HVAC rebates, and 0% financing, call us at (781) 305-3319 or go here to schedule now!
