How to conserve energy throughout summer

Ac Maintenance

From Page 4

Timing can vary depending various factors, such as the time of year, the accumulation of dust and whether or not pets live in the home.

• Straighten coil fins. The fins on the condenser are easily bent and that can affect the flow of air through the coils. If you cannot easily straighten them, then consult with an HVAC professional to do so.

• Check the thermostat. Ensure that the thermostat is still working properly. You also may want to upgrade an old thermostat to a programmable or smart thermostat that enables you to remotely set and adjust the temperature.

• Consider an in-line duct booster. HVAC professionals can guide you through the advantages of an inline duct booster for forced-air cooling. This can increase the flow of cool air into a room that always seems hotter than the rest. Another option is a vent or register booster fan that sits on top or replaces a traditional floor or wall register. • Deal with condensation. Condensation from air conditioning coils can puddle around the furnace if the condensate drain tube is clogged. Clearing it out will help prevent puddling and the formation of bacteria-laden water in the system.

Periodic maintenance is necessary to ensure uninterrupted service on a home AC unit.

Having central air conditioning units serviced before the start of summer can ensure they run as efficiently as possible when temperatures begin to rise.

Ceiling fans can reduce reliance on costly air conditioners when cooling homes in summertime.

Energy bills tend to be high in summertime, when many people crank up their air conditioners in an attempt to combat the heat. For some households, higher energy bills might be stretching their budgets, while others might be looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprints.

Conserving energy can help homeowners save money and help the planet at the same time. And reducing energy consumption in the summer does not require men and women to sacrifice comfort in the name of conservation. In fact, various strategies can help homeowners and apartment dwellers reduce their summertime energy consumption.

• Stop cooling an empty home. A cool home might be the ultimate necessity during summer heat waves, but there’s no reason to cool a residence when no one is home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), operating thermostats more efficiently can help homeowners trim their cooling costs by as much as 10 percent. One way to be more efficient with thermostats is to keep the house warmer than normal when no one is home. Programmable thermostats can be set so air conditioning units turn on shortly before residents arrive home, ensuring the house is comfortable and no energy is wasted.

• Narrow the gap between indoor and outdoor temperatures. The DOE notes that the smaller the difference between the temperature indoors and outside the lower cooling costs will be. While it may be tempting to set thermostats to room temperature (68 degrees Fahrenheit) on days when temperatures reach 90 degrees or above, that’s an enormous temperature gap that will result in a high energy bill. Instead, the DOE recommends setting thermostats to 78 degrees whenever possible.

• Open the windows at night. Daytime temperatures, particularly during the dog days of summer, may necessitate the use of air conditioners. But men and women who live in climates where temperatures drop considerably at night can sleep with their windows open. This reduces energy consumption and saves money, and can be a great way to introduce fresh air into a home during a time of year when air can become stagnant.

• Do not set air conditioner thermostats at lower than normal temperatures when turning them on. The DOE notes that setting thermostats at lower than normal temperatures when turning air conditioners on will not cool homes any faster than setting them at typical temperatures. Such a strategy will only lead to excessive energy consumption and higher energy bills.

• Install ceiling fans. Ceiling fans can improve cooling efficiency in a home. According to the DOE, ceiling fans allow people who use air conditioners to raise the thermostats on their AC units about 4 degrees without adversely affecting comfort levels. Those who live in temperate climates may find that ceiling fans are enough to keep rooms cool without the need for air conditioners.

Homeowners can combat high utility bills and excessive energy consumption during the summer with various ecoand budget-friendly strategies.

Outdoor Bar

From Page 2

Invest in quality supplies

In addition to a sturdy bar itself (or a table/ counter used for the bar), hosts and hostesses will need other supplies. Quality coolers can be used to keep ice available and house canned beverages, like soft drinks and beer. A small cooler can be used to chill fruit juices, mixers and the other ingredients for classic mixed drinks. Liquor also is needed for those who plan to serve adults. Make sure to invest in a variety of products, including whiskey, bourbon, vodka, gin, rum, and tequila. These liquors are used for the majority of mixed drinks or those served neat or on the rocks. Display the liquor selection on the bar so guests know what is available.

Make it unbreakable

Disposable plastic cups are convenient, but not very green or decorative. High-quality, reusable plastic tumblers and goblets can look like glass, but are safer for use outdoors when there’s the risk of dropping items. Certain drinks are traditionally served in specific types of glasses, so it is a good to stock up on various sizes and shapes. Routinely scour the yard for empty cups so they can be washed and refreshed. In addition to alcoholic beverages, offer self-serve dispensers of water, iced tea, lemonade, and other offerings. Ensure kids stay away from adult drinks by setting up their own mini-bar of juice boxes and other kid-friendly beverages.

From Page 1

“Blackout shades would probably be too dreary and block too much light for a living room or a dining room,” she said.

Blackout shades typically come with tracks that are mounted on the side of the window, to maximize sunlight blockage for the entire length of the window.

Another great window treatment option with privacy in mind is a shade using a topdown/bottom-up lifting system. The top can be pulled down, allowing sunlight in, while leaving the bottom half of the window covered for privacy.

Automation

From the Amazon Alexa virtual assistant to app-controlled thermostat functionality, today’s home automation systems are ubiquitous. And now, customers even have the option of automating their window treatments. With the touch of a button, your draperies or shades can be opened and closed on your command. This motorized, and in some cases, programmable, system is a great choice for people who love advanced technology, but they also serve an essential purpose.

“There are some applications where automated window treatments are necessary, such as when the window is very high up,” Hiltner said.

Cost is undoubtedly a concern when it comes to automating your window treatments, however. Installing this technology can add up to $200 per shade.

Safety

We’ve all heard the horror stories of young children or pets getting caught up in mini blind cords. To address this issue, today’s window treatments are designed with safety in mind.

Many blinds and shades now feature a wand/pole control functionality, rather than a cord. And, for window treatments that are still using cords, there is typically a cord looping system which is mounted to the side of the window frame, so cords can be safely secured and tucked away.

Need help? Consult a pro

When it comes to window treatments, today’s options are endless. Whether you are looking to dress up a room with a pop of color, ensure a better night’s sleep, or even keep your drafty room feeling toasty, there are options for everyone and every window. And, if you need a little guidance, consider consulting a window treatment specialist like Hiltner.

“Choices all depend on the person,” Hiltner said of the multitude of options. “And what look or function they need in their home.” No matter which window treatment you choose, however, all customers can rest assured that any window covering selected will provide a bit of UV protection. This will help preserve the textiles and fabrics inside your home for years to come.