Your Mid-Summer Energy Checkup: Is Your Home Still Running Efficiently?
Summer is officially in full swing, and by July, your home’s cooling system has likely been working hard for weeks. While it’s easy to set the thermostat and forget it, a quick mid-summer energy checkup can help keep your home comfortable, improve efficiency, and potentially lower energy usage during the hottest weeks of the year.
1. Check Your Air Filter
Your air conditioner depends on proper airflow to operate efficiently. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, force your system to work harder, and reduce indoor comfort.
Inspect your HVAC filter.
Replace it if it appears dirty or clogged.
Follow manufacturer guidelines for replacement frequency.
A clean filter can help improve airflow and support efficient system performance.
2. Give Your Thermostat a Review
If your thermostat settings haven’t changed since spring, now is a good time to revisit them.
Consider:
Setting your thermostat as high as comfortably possible when you’re home.
Raising the temperature a few degrees when you’re away.
Using a programmable or smart thermostat to automate adjustments.
3. Inspect Windows and Doors
Cool air can escape through small gaps and cracks around your home.
Take a walk around and:
Check weatherstripping around doors.
Look for gaps around windows.
Seal any leaks with caulk or weatherstripping.
Keeping conditioned air inside helps your cooling system work more effectively.
4. Let Ceiling Fans Do Some of the Work
Ceiling fans can help rooms feel cooler by circulating air, allowing you to increase your thermostat setting without sacrificing comfort.
Remember:
Fans cool people, not rooms.
Turn fans off when rooms are unoccupied.
Make sure the blades rotate counterclockwise during the summer months.
5. Check Outdoor HVAC Equipment
Your outdoor condenser unit needs room to breathe.
Look for:
Grass, weeds, or plants growing too close.
Leaves or debris around the unit.
Anything blocking airflow.
Keeping the area clear can help maintain proper system operation.
6. Block Out Extra Heat
Sunlight streaming through windows can significantly increase indoor temperatures.
Try:
Closing blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day.
Using blackout curtains in rooms with heavy sun exposure.
Keeping shades closed on south- and west-facing windows.
Less heat entering your home means less work for your air conditioner.
7. Review Your Summer Energy Habits
July is a great time to evaluate everyday habits that may be increasing energy use.
Ask yourself:
Are lights being left on unnecessarily?
Are electronics running when not in use?
Is laundry being done during the hottest part of the day?
Are second refrigerators or freezers being used efficiently?
Small adjustments can add up throughout the season.
8. Prepare for Summer Storms
Summer often brings thunderstorms and power outages. A little preparation now can help protect your home and electronics.
Consider:
Testing surge protectors.
Charging backup batteries and devices.
Reviewing your emergency preparedness supplies.
Your Mid-Summer Challenge
Set aside 30 minutes this week to complete your own mid-summer energy checkup. A few simple maintenance tasks and habit changes can help keep your home comfortable and efficient through the rest of the season.
