Summer DIY Repairs That Help Save Energy

August 31, 2010

If you live in an area with distinct seasons, you know the importance of winterizing your home before cold weather strikes. However, your home, and your wallet, can also benefit from some extra protection against the summer heat. Whether your summer lasts year-round or for just a few precious months, here are some easy steps you can take to help you keep cool without heating up your electric bill.

• Replace the filter: Experts recommend filter changes every 30 to 90 days. If you have a reusable filter, clean it at the same intervals.
• Inspect the outdoor unit: Check for damage and make sure the area around it is clear of shrubbery or anything else that may impede airflow.

• Check for leaks around doors and windows: Re-caulk and/or replace weather stripping as necessary.
• Make sure windows open and close easily. Repair any that do not close properly.
• Check the door to your attic, too. Add weather stripping to avoid losing cool air up there.
• Keep the fireplace damper closed, or your cold air will escape up the chimney.
• Check every spot where a wire or pipe penetrates a wall. Add caulk if necessary.

Of course, you will want to let in cool evening air whenever possible, so replace storm doors and windows with the appropriate screens.

• Replace your thermostat with a programmable one. Most are easy for a moderately experienced do-it-yourselfer to install, and you can set it to automatically provide comfortable cooling when you are home, but conserve energy when you are not. Depending on your climate, you can easily save $100 a year.
• Get a whole-house fan: These systems draw in cool evening air and push hot air up and out the attic.
• Install ceiling fans: If you don't want a whole-house fan, the breeze from a ceiling fan can make your rooms feel up to 10 degrees cooler than they really are.

• Use dark blinds or curtains on south-facing windows, and keep them closed during the day. This keeps out the sun's heat, which reduces the amount of cooling needed -- and thus your energy bill.
• Check your insulation, especially in the attic and crawl spaces. If it does not meet the levels recommended for your area, add more.

As a bonus, many of these repairs will help prevent heat loss during the winter, thus reducing your energy costs year-round.