The dog days are upon us here in Massachusetts – which means that summer cooling bills can’t far behind. Here’s a list of things you can do to tame those bills through summer 2018.
If you’re using window A/Cs or have recently added to your home, consider adding a ductless cooling system as a quiet, high efficiency cooling solution
Vents
Close A/C vents in unused rooms and in the basement
Move any items or furniture that might be obstructing air flow from your vents
If you’re thinking about a heating system upgrade, summer is the best time to do it – you’ll get a convenient appointment time and some great deals, too
Thermostat
Set your thermostat at 78 degrees when people are home to get the best balance of comfort and energy savings; raise the temperature 6-7 degrees when no one is home to save money
Doors
Close doors between conditioned and unconditioned spaces
Replace interior door seals to keep cool air from escaping into unconditioned spaces
Weatherize exterior doors to prevent heat entry
If you don’t have A/C, keep interior doors open to promote airflow (run ceiling fans, too – see below)
Windows
Caulk exterior window frames to prevent heat entry
Clean window tracks so windows seal properly
If you don’t have A/C, keep windows open to promote airflow
Run your generator at least once to make sure it works properly
Keep enough propane gas on hand to last through a one-week power outage
Attic
Consider adding insulation to stabilize your home climate and help your A/C
Use an attic fan to circulate and vent rising hot air from the house
Dehumidifier
If you have a whole house dehumidifier, have it serviced
Ceiling fans
Run ceiling fans to keep air circulating, especially if you have A/C; by doing so you can raise your thermostat by three to four degrees with no loss in comfort
Reset the direction of your fan blades to draw cooler air up into the room rather than pushing hot air back down (see manufacturer’s instructions for how to reverse the direction of your fan blades)
Alarms
Test all smoke alarms, carbon monoxide sensors and radon detectors; replace batteries if needed
Fireplace
Close your fireplace damper to prevent heat from entering through the chimney
Want to find more ways to save on energy bills throughout the year? Pioneer can help. Contact us today to learn more about our high efficiency furnace, boiler, and water heater options, plus whole-house propane conversions, A/C and ductless installations, and more!
