House heating mishap potentially increasing your home's temperature during summer - This alteration in your heating system may significantly impact your cooling expenses
In the midst of a heatwave, keeping your home cool and your energy bills low can be a challenge. But fear not, as we've gathered some practical tips from Ben, a seasoned HVAC expert with over 30 years of industry experience, to help you navigate through these hot summer days.
First and foremost, adjusting your boiler's water temperature or activating its warm weather shutdown/summer mode, if available, is crucial. High water temperatures cause the boiler to keep firing to maintain hot water, radiating heat into areas like basements and closets. This, in turn, makes your air conditioner work harder and increases energy costs. By lowering the boiler temperature in the summer to around 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, you can help keep a home cool and make a significant difference on your cooling bill.
Another key aspect is maintaining your HVAC system. Before or during summer, clean and service condenser coils, fans, and refrigerant lines to keep your system running efficiently and avoid breakdowns.
To prevent hot air infiltration, seal gaps around doors and windows with weatherstripping and use light-colored blackout curtains to block sun, helping keep indoor temperatures cooler by up to 15 degrees.
For enhanced comfort without heavy AC use, operate ceiling fans counterclockwise and run heat-producing appliances during cooler morning hours. Additionally, close curtains and blinds on sunny sides of your home to prevent solar heat gain.
If you're working from home and need personal cooling, consider an oscillating table fan with powerful, quiet operation and a slim, compact design. For broader coverage, a tower fan with 90° oscillation, four modes, an eight-hour timer, touch control, and LED display might be just what you need.
Don't forget about insulation! The Frost King Polyethylene Foam Pipe Insulation, available at Walmart, helps keep the heat in the lines instead of letting it bleed into the room. Self-sealing adhesive edge foam pipe covers, available in a pack of six, are pre-slit for easy installation, even on curved pipes.
Lastly, neglected pipes can freeze during colder winter weather. Insulation tape is available to prevent this. And for those long, hot summer days, a tabletop fan with 90° pivot is available for providing cooling power from over 27 feet away.
Remember, these combined steps targeting water temperature and general HVAC use can effectively reduce home heat buildup and energy bills during a heatwave. By following these expert tips, you'll be well on your way to a cooler, more energy-efficient home this summer.
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To create a comfortable home-and-garden lifestyle during summer heatwaves, consider adjusting your boiler's water temperature or activating its warm weather shutdown/summer mode for better energy efficiency. Additionally, maintaining your HVAC system, such as cleaning and servicing condenser coils, fans, and refrigerant lines, is crucial for optimal performance.
