Blog

Wow, what an amazing summer it’s been so far. Whilst we’re not ready to say goodbye to the sunshine, we are ready to say goodbye to having the AC running 24 hours a day! We’ve put together 5 easy tips for saving a little around the home before those Fall months arrive.

INSULATE WINDOW AND DOOR CRACKS.

When the temperatures start to drop, the draft will take advantage of any openings in window and door frames to steal its way into your home. A quick fix to keep the cool air out and the hot air in is adding weatherstripping tape to fill those pesky gaps. Gain extra protection from the elements by installing sweeps at the bottom of all doors and caulking around windows. Don’t forget to inspect attic and basement doors as well to see if any hot air might be escaping.

FIRE UP THE FANS.

All summer long we rely on ceiling fans to help move the air around and create a breeze in the home. Did you know that your fan can also be an effective tool in the colder months too? When it’s cooler, ceiling fans need to spin clockwise on low speed (any faster and you’ll start to feel a cool breeze). This creates an updraft that helps move warm air trapped near the ceiling back out and around the room. This is especially helpful in rooms with vaulted ceilings.

UPDATE YOUR THERMOSTATS.

As the temperature drops, don’t forget to optimize your thermostats’ scheduling function for winter. The goal is to keep your furnace from working so hard during the coldest part of the night, so try pre-warming your home before the evening cool-off. Keep comfortable while also giving your HVAC system a bit of a break between the peak hours of 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. If your thermostat doesn’t offer scheduling, make a habit of turning the dial each morning, or consider upgrading to a smart thermostat, which may increase your property value as an added bonus.

CASH IN ON TAX REBATES.

When home improvements and energy-saving habits benefit the city by easing up on power demands, sometimes the city will share the savings through rebates and incentives. Check with your city or energy provider about cash rebates for small tweaks, like installing smart thermostats, or tax credits for larger projects like modernizing insulation and adding solar panels.

CLEAN AIR CONDITIONING VENTS AND UNITS.

To keep your HVAC system running lean and mean, give the units and vents a little TLC with an annual deep clean. Hose off the outdoor elements of your system to get it free of debris, and give all interior vents a wipe down to remove any trapped lint or pet hair. Sticking to a regular schedule of switching out your filters (many HVAC manufacturers recommend monthly filter swaps) can help your furnace run as efficiently as possible. And, just like your car needs regular tune-ups, your HVAC system can benefit from a little maintenance each year before the temperature drops.