If this Spring has been any indication, the Summer of 2017 is going to be a hot one! Many of my friends and family members are aching to get over to the Jersey Shore to cool off, and I can’t blame them.
While there’s a lot of fun to be had in warmer weather, the transition period between Spring and Summer also serves as a great time to prepare your home for the change in seasons. Here are a few things you should consider doing to prepare your home for a hot Summer:
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Keeping temperatures higher when your family isn’t home will help to keep costs low, and by installing a programmable thermostat, you’ll be able to set automatic temperature controls for maximum comfort and energy efficiency.
Use Smart Door Techniques
As every parent knows, opened doors and windows leak out valuable energy. To keep your energy bill low, reduce the number of unnecessary trips you’ll need to make to and from the house.
Clean your Refrigerator Coils
When they’re not operating efficiently, refrigerators can cause surprisingly high energy usage. Dust off and clean up the condensing coils in your refrigerator to get the best performance and save on energy costs.
Practice Smart Landscaping
If you have a green thumb, now’s the time to use it! Planting shrubs and leafy trees near your home’s windows will prevent those same windows from transferring excess heat into your home, saving a fortune on energy costs.
Replace Your Air Filter
Assuming you live south of the Canadian border, your HVAC system’s air filter will get a lot more use during the Summer than any other season. Checking it every thirty days throughout the Summer, as well as replacing it when necessary, will ensure your home is cooled efficiently (while also saving money).
Update Your Insulation
Starting with your attic and the levels between your home’s conditioned and unconditioned spaces, updating your home’s insulation will go a long way towards reducing your carbon footprint and keeping your home cool. Extra insulation can be added on top of existing material, but you might want to consider hiring a professional for appropriate installation and removal.
Source: My Energy Monster