Plug the Holes. Stay Cooler.

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.