HERMISTON, Ore.-With high temperatures expected in the 90’s for most of Eastern Oregon for at least the next seven days, many will take refuge in the air conditioned indoors.
According to Energy Trust of Oregon, an independent nonprofit focused on clean energy solutions and savings, serving customers and communities in Oregon and Southwest Washington, a few tips can keep your home comfortable all summer long.
When outside temperatures rise, homeowners tend to crank up the air conditioner, however, this is not energy or cost-efficient and puts undue strain on your home’s cooling system.
“Cooling your home is often one of your biggest energy expenses during the summer, but raising the thermostat just a few degrees can make a big difference in your energy costs,” said Jami Seymore, a spokesperson with Energy Trust of Oregon.
Seymore recommends setting your heat pump or air conditioning thermostat to 72-75 degrees when you are home, then turning it up a few degrees more when you are away.
For homes with heat pumps, Seymore recommends turning the thermostat up no more than three degrees at night, because a heat pump is most efficient when maintaining a temperature.
“The more you’re lowering the temperature, the harder your system has to work to keep cool air in your home, putting more strain on your air conditioner or heat pump, as well as more strain on the electric grid, especially during heat waves,” said Seymore.
Homes may feel uncomfortable during the summer due to hot air from outside getting into the house through gaps, cracks, poor insulation, and airflow issues, causing homeowners to respond by running the air conditioner harder, longer.
One way to help keep cool air in and heat out is to make sure that all the spaces, gaps, and cracks in your home, especially around windows and doors, are sealed with caulking or weatherstripping.
According to Seymore, ensuring proper airflow in your home, through vents, fans and ducts, will also help distribute the cool air throughout your whole house, cooling more evenly.
Adding insulation or upgrading the insulation in your home can also help keep your home cool this summer.
“During heat waves, unsealed and poorly insulated homes can heat up quickly and stay hot longer, while a sealed, insulated home locks the cool air in, even when hot outside,” said Seymore. “This can lower the strain on your cooling system, preventing system failures and sudden spikes in your energy bill.”
Tips to help keep your home cool this summer
- Check, clean, and replace filters: Periodically check your heating and cooling system’s filter and clean or replace if dirty or clogged. A clean filter allows the system to run more efficiently, saving energy and keeping you cool.
- Less light=Less Heat: Use your windows strategically this summer by keeping windows, blinds, shades and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day. Open windows to let cool air in at night or early in the morning.
- Ceiling fans: When set counterclockwise ceiling fans push air down into your home, creating a cool breeze by circulating the cool air from the air conditioner.
- Consider cooking out: Home appliances and electronics create heat when used, so consider using the microwave, stovetop, or outside grill, rather than the oven.
If your home continuously feels too hot or cools unevenly after trying the simple fixes, it may be time to upgrade your heating and cooling system.
“Smart thermostats and high-efficiency cooling systems like heat pumps can keep things cool and consistent, even when you’re not home,” said Seymore.
Energy Trust of Oregon offers incentives and rebates for home cooling upgrades, including heat pumps and smart thermostats, to residents in Washington and Oregon.
Details on incentives and eligibility requirements are available online.
