During the hot summer, inefficient systems and habits can significantly affect your energy bill and potential savings. Many major and minor energy-saving measures can boost efficiency and cut your costs this summer. By incorporating the weatherization tips below, you can transform your home into a more comfortable and cost-effective environment.
What is weatherization?
Weatherization, also known as weatherproofing, refers to preparing your home for seasonal changes. It can also improve energy efficiency and reduce the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. During the cooling season, weatherization aims to keep your home cool and the heat out while using the least amount of power.
Some summer weatherization plans may only require a minor upgrade or a change in behavior, like closing blinds, while others are more complex. For major upgrades and capital improvements, consider scheduling an energy audit with an expert like FirstService Energy to identify areas of inefficiency.
Both minor and major upgrades can yield significant cost and energy savings. Below are some easy tips for weatherizing your home and saving this summer.
Replace or clean your air conditioner filters.
If you plan to use your air conditioner at any point this summer, it's time to evaluate its filter. A clean filter can lower the air conditioner's energy consumption by five to 15 percent compared to a clogged, dirty filter. Check your filter every one to two months. Depending on the type of filter, you should either clean it or replace it.
Window coverings
According to the US Department of Energy, 75 percent of residential window coverings remain untouched throughout the day. In the summer, just by keeping your window coverings closed, you can reduce heat gain by 33 percent.
The Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC) rates and labels window coverings to certify energy-efficient performance. Use their certified product search to find the right fit for your home and maximize your energy savings.
An alternative to traditional window coverings is window film, which can provide a more reliable and consistant heat reduction solution.
Refrigerator and freezer maintenance
While refrigerator and freezer maintenance does not fall under weatherization, you will likely be reaching for items in your freezer during the hot summer months. Blocked vents can disrupt airflow, which is essential to a refrigerator's operating efficiency. Locate the vent in your refrigerator and make sure nothing is blocking it. Often, an overstocked refrigerator is the issue. If ice buildup blocks the vent, you must work with a professional.
Additionally, cleaning the condenser coils can lighten the energy load. The cleaning process may look different depending on your refrigerator's model, but typically, it entails sweeping underneath it with a cleaning wand. This removes dust and debris, extending the lifespan of your refrigerator and reducing its energy consumption.
Purchase an ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostat
Smart thermostats are connected to Wi-Fi, allowing users to program or automate their heating and cooling. They track usage and temperature data to maximize efficiency. Based on this collected data and other smart features, the thermostat makes adjustments tailored to your preferences and schedule. When you're not at home, you can control the temperature using your smartphone, which helps you save energy and reduce costs by avoiding unnecessary heating or cooling. If geofencing is enabled, the smart thermostat can detect when you're close to home and adjust the temperature accordingly. You can also use your smartphone to lower the temperature as you approach home, ensuring a comfortable environment when you arrive.
The ENERGY STAR label ensures the product has been evaluated against and meets strict energy efficiency standards.
Additional low-cost weatherization tips
- Replace incandescent lightbulbs with LED bulbs
- Check for air leaks around windows and doors
- Install screens to utilize natural ventilation
- Use fans to improve ventilation; turn them off when not at home
- Ensure AC vents are not blocked
- Open and close AC vents to improve airflow to desired rooms
After implementing these small changes, check your energy savings at the end of the summer. You can compare your energy bills this summer with last year to identify where your changes made an impact. It's important to note that weather variations, market pricing, and other factors may impact your energy bills.
Does my property need an energy audit?
You can’t fix a problem if you don’t know if it's there. You should schedule an energy audit with an energy professional to make more significant upgrades and identify costly inefficiencies. An energy audit involves a thorough on-site examination of the building's common areas and its mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, along with a detailed analysis of utility bills. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights for residential communities by pinpointing energy-saving opportunities and verifying that building equipment and operations are current. Energy conservation measures applied from energy audit findings are typically more complex than simple weatherization upgrades that residents can perform on their own. A professional can deliver an all-encompassing report, highlighting difficult-to-detect inefficiencies throughout the property and a plan of action.
FirstService Energy identifies cost-saving opportunities, recommends building upgrades, and supports the property with any improvement measures it would like to implement.
