As summer heats up in Boston, it’s important to keep your home cool and energy efficient. This is especially important during peak hours that demand more energy. If you’re thinking of making renovations to your Boston home that help you beat the heat and save money on utility bills, check out these tips to reduce energy consumption and stay comfortable throughout the dog days of summer and beyond.
Partnering with a Boston contractor skilled in energy efficient improvements is a wise investment.
Enhance Insulation and Sealing
Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal any leaks around windows and doors to prevent the escape of cool air. Check for gaps and cracks in attics and basements, and seal those as well. Adequate attic insulation greatly reduces cooling costs by keeping all the hot air out; well-insulated walls maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
Optimize Your Cooling System
Regular maintenance for your cooling system is key, especially in summer. Clean or replace AC filters for smoother airflow and upgrade to a smart programmable thermostat to save energy. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and adjust your cooling settings automatically to prevent energy waste.
Take Advantage of Natural Ventilation and Shade
Open windows for ventilation by taking advantage of cool night and early morning air. Open windows on opposite sides of the home to create a refreshing cross-breeze. Install blackout curtains or reflective blinds to keep heat out during the day, particularly on sun-facing windows. Consider adding a sunroom to your home for more natural light.
Replace Drafty Windows
Add new windows to replace drafty ones. Look for low-emissivity (low-e) coatings on glass to control heat transfer through insulated glazing. According to Energy.gov, windows made with low-e coatings cost about 10 to 15 percent more than regular windows, but they can reduce energy loss by 30 to 50 percent.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Check Energy Star ratings when replacing old appliances. You can greatly reduce electricity use with energy-efficient AC units and refrigerators. Try to run dishwashers, dryers, and washing machines during off-peak hours to save energy costs. Unplug idle appliances to avoid unnecessary power consumption.
Implement Renewable Energy Solutions
Invest in solar panels to harness the power of Boston’s sunny climate in summer while reducing your dependence on the grid. Ask our Boston builders about other earth-friendly elements we incorporate into our green building principles.
Adopt Energy-Saving Habits
In summer, switch your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise for a cooling breeze. Turn fans off when leaving the room. Convert to LED lighting and use the benefits of natural light as much as possible during the day so as not to rely so much on artificial lighting.
By taking the above energy-saving improvements, you can lower utility bills and increase your comfort during the summer months here in Boston. Even small changes have a big impact!
Contact AD Construction
Here at AD Construction, we specialize in green building design, from solar panels to window and door upgrades. Get your free quote and consultation on Back Bay home improvements when you call us at 1-877-345-BUILD.
