Cooperative Living May 2019 - 28

EnergySense | by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen, Contributing Writers
Keep Cool for Less
D
electric bills were a killer. Do you have any tips on how we can
cool our home this summer -- without going broke?
- Brandon
D
ear Brandon: We've discussed some of the easiest ways to
make your home more efficient, like reducing solar gains,
insulating and ventilating the attic, and sealing air leaks. You
may need to focus on inefficiencies in your home's cooling system.
But before we address that, let's look at some other potential problems.
Do you have a freezer or second refrigerator in the garage? This
can be a major energy hog, especially if it's old and you live in a
warmer climate.
A duct-blaster test can identify air leaks in your home's ductwork.
Do you have a well? Your pump may be draining your energy
use as you rely on it more during the summer. Start by looking for
leaks in the system, and if necessary, reduce irrigation.
How about a swimming pool? It may be time to overhaul or replace
the pool pump. If the pump is in good shape, try putting it on a timer.
If you have central air conditioning (A/C) or a heat pump, make
sure your filter has been changed or recently cleaned. The next step is
to call an HVAC contractor for a tune-up and a complete assessment
of the system. A tune-up can improve the efficiency and extend the
life of the unit. The tune-up includes cleaning the condenser coil,
checking the refrigerant levels, and looking at the pump and
electrical contacts. Talk to the contractor about the efficiency of
the A/C unit. If it's old, it may be cost-effective to replace it, even if
it's still functional.
Ductwork is equally important as the A/C unit, so make sure the
contractor you choose is capable and willing to provide an expert
assessment. A real pro will know how to measure the airflow at
each supply-and-return register. If you're not getting cool air to
the rooms that need it, the contractor may be able to make
modifications to the ductwork.
Leaky ductwork could be your problem. If the ducts are in
unconditioned areas like a crawl space or attic, it's especially
important to make sure they're sealed and insulated. It will also
help to seal ducts that are in conditioned spaces.
Some HVAC contractors can do a duct-blaster test to measure duct
leakage. Discuss whether you should ever close any supply registers.
Most experts recommend that supply registers are always open.
If you cool your home with window A/C units, there are a few
things you can do to maximize your cooling while keeping costs as
low as possible.
That old fridge or freezer in your garage could be taking a bite
out of your wallet.
26 | Cooperative Living | May 2019
Use window A/C units in rooms that can be closed off with a door
to make the cooling as effective as possible.
co-opliving.com
ear Pat: We moved into our home last spring. It's pretty
new and seems well-insulated in winter. But it was hot last
summer, so we had to run the air conditioner a lot and the
ALEX WEIMER PHOTO
KET555 PHOTO
http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living May 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living May 2019
