Those same cracks and gaps around your home that let cold air in, let cooled air out in the summer. With heating and cooling accounting for 50% of our fuel expenses, you’ll want to know about these tips from energy-efficiency expert, Jean Hamerman, Founder of NeighborGreen.
Tightening up your home: Caulk around exterior wall baseboards and window frames. Look for holes under the sink. Weather strip your doors and install plug gaskets on exterior-wall outlets. Do it yourself, or hire a contractor for a $300 rebate for eligible Con Edison customers. The impact: like closing a window.
Stay cool, efficiently. If you have central air conditioning, make sure the ducts are clean and well connected; change your filters, mastic duct joints so more air gets delivered. Seal in Energy Star-rated window air conditioners. For savings, use your programmable thermostat to control temperatures.
Get Curtains. They are decorative and offer a low-cost way of blocking the sun.
Easy savings. Turn down the temperature knob on your hot water heater until the water's hot enough for your shower- about 120° F. When you go on vacation, turn the dial to vacation mode.
High-performance. Get your home a “check up” so it can perform at its peak to keep your family warm and cool seasonally. Insulating basement rim joists, attics, knee walls and garage ceilings are cost-effective measures that pay for themselves in savings. It's not just for summer, but for year-round comfort and health.
And the coolest not-so new thing: heat pumps (mini splits) for ducted or un-ducted air conditioning.
NeighborGreen offers customized air sealing and insulating plans
for all budgets. FREE, no-obligation home survey. Financing options available- no money down. www.neighborgreen.com or 914-368-9150.
