8 Ways To Stay Green This Summer At Your Home

As you probably know, a home cooling system typically accounts for more than half the energy we use at home during the summer – a number that could rise even higher this year with all the time we’re spending at home.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your home energy efficiency and keep your carbon footprint from spreading out of control this summer, here are some great ways to do it.

Home Energy Efficiency Checklist

• Check and change /clean your air filters – A dirty air filter cuts air flow, causing your air conditioner to work harder to force air through your ducts. Not only will this raise your bills now by reducing efficiency, it will also cost you later in the form of costly (and preventable) air conditioner repairs. Check your HVAC filter monthly, and plan to change it at least once this summer.
• Cool only rooms you use – If you have central air conditioning, close vents in rooms you don’t use, or consider installing a zoned cooling system. If you have a ductless air conditioning system, use only the air handlers you need.
• Keep air circulating – Air circulated by ceiling fans feels cooler, which means you can raise your thermostat by about four degrees with no loss of comfort. Every degree counts: according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, you can expect to save about 3-5 percent on air conditioning bills for each degree you raise the thermostat.
• Use window treatments – Trapped solar heat can give your air conditioner a heavy cooling load to bear. Reflective window treatments can send some of that heat back where it came from. You can learn more about window treatments on the Department of Energy’s website.
• Use your programmable thermostat – Remember that 3-5 percent per degree savings we talked about earlier? That applies when you’re out of the house, too. Use the timer on your programmable thermostat to run your house slightly warmer when no one is home and when you’re sleeping. When you’re home, target a temperature of about 78 degrees – a temperature the Department of Energy says represents the best balance of comfort and energy savings.
• Check your ductwork – As much as 20 percent of the air you paid to cool could be escaping from leaky ductwork before it ever reaches your living space. Conduct a visual inspection of your ductwork where possible to rule out any obvious problems, and consider having them professionally inspected to rule out leaks elsewhere in the system. If you find significant leakage, a professional duct sealing could be a worthwhile investment.
• Get an A/C tune-up
 – Performing routine A/C maintenance won’t just keep your equipment running better, it will also help prevent premature equipment breakdown. Resist the temptation to skip a year, even with new equipment. In fact, it may be a condition of your warranty.
• Consider a cooling system upgrade – Installing a new high efficiency central air conditioner or ductless air conditioner can save you 30 percent on your monthly bills compared to your older model, which means it will pay for itself in just a few years. Our experts can help you choose a cooling system that’s a perfect match for your home and lifestyle, with options available in all sizes and configurations. We’ll help you sort through your rebate options, too so you’ll get the best bang for your cooling buck.

When it comes to staying green and saving green, we’ve got you covered! Contact Bottini Fuel today for air conditioning service in the Hudson Valley, or to get a FREE, no obligation estimate on a new high efficiency cooling system for your home!