If you’re considering a heating system upgrade, summer is the best time to do it – you’ll get a great appointment time and some great deals, too
Thermostat
Aim for a thermostat setting of 78 degrees when people are home to get the best balance of comfort and energy savings; raise the thermostat six or seven degrees when no one is home
Doors
Keep doors closed between conditioned and unconditioned spaces
Draft-proof interior doors to keep cool air from escaping into unconditioned spaces
Weatherize exterior doors to prevent heat from entering the house
If you don’t have air conditioning, keep interior doors open as much as possible to promote cross ventilation (run ceiling fans, too – see below)
Windows
Clean window tracks so windows seal properly
Caulk exterior window frames to keep heat from entering the house
If you don’t have A/C, keep windows open as much as possible to promote cross ventilation
Use an attic fan to circulate and vent rising hot air from the house
Dehumidifier
If you have a whole house dehumidifier, have it serviced
Ceiling fans
Run ceiling fans to keep air circulating, especially if you have A/C; by doing so you can raise your thermostat by three to four degrees with no loss in comfort
Reset the direction of your fan blades to draw cooler air up into the room rather than pushing hot air back down (see manufacturer’s instructions for how to reverse the direction of your fan blades)
Alarms
Test all smoke alarms, carbon monoxide sensors and radon detectors; replace batteries if needed
Fireplace
Close your fireplace damper to prevent heat from entering through the chimney