Seven Efficiency Tips As We Transition To Fall

Summer 2020 has been a season for the record books here in New England – and if experts are right, the heat will probably last a while longer.

With everyone at home more than usual, your A/C will continue to work hard to keep things comfortable for you, and your energy bills will reflect that effort. Want to keep those bills as low as possible in the late summer and early fall? Here are some of the best ways to do it.

• Mind your air filters – A clogged air filter will make your A/C overwork to keep you cool, and both you and your equipment will pay for it. Check your air filter about once a month, replacing or cleaning it (depending on the model) when needed.
• Seal windows and doors – Up to 20 percent of the air your paid to cool can slip through air leaks around windows and doors; caulk and install weather stripping to keep that cool air in (air sealing will do the opposite in winter, keeping the cool air out of your home).
• Add insulation – Most homes in Massachusetts – especially older ones – aren’t insulated to New England’s recommended R-Value rating. To learn more about where and how much insulation to add to your home, check out these guidelines from the U.S. Department of Energy.
• Mind the details – When it comes to energy efficiency, the value is in the details. Keep doors and windows closed, keep shades down in sunny rooms to minimize the greenhouse effect, avoid using heat-producing appliances like ovens and clothes dryers, keep vents closed in unused rooms, use ceiling fans to promote airflow – anything that will take some of the load off your home cooling system.
• Take advantage of your thermostat – You can save about 3-5 percent per day on air conditioning bills for each degree you raise the thermostat in cooling mode (or lower it in heating mode), says the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. When you’re home, target a temperature of about 78 degrees to get the best balance of comfort and energy savings.
• Service faulty equipment quickly – If your HVAC equipment needs service or a repair, take care of it as quickly as possible – the longer you put it off, the costlier the repair will usually be.
• Consider sensible upgrades – A new high efficiency central air conditioner – properly installed by cooling professionals – will often save you 30 percent on your monthly bills compared to your current model. At that rate, the savings will help your equipment pay for itself in just a few years.

Keep your cooling bills in COMPLETELY in check for the last push of summer 2020 with expert cooling maintenance and air conditioner installations in Norfolk and Middlesex counties, MA from the pros at Needham Oil Complete Heating & Cooling. Contact us today to learn more.