Home's Summer Temperature Potentially Elevated Due to Boiler Mishap - 'One Adjustment That Might Drastically Affect Your Cooling Expenses'
In the midst of a heatwave, keeping your home cool while reducing energy bills can be a challenge. Here are some practical tips from seasoned HVAC expert Ben, the owner of Evergreen Heating & Cooling, with over 30 years of industry experience.
Firstly, adjust your water heater temperature to around 120°F (49°C) or lower if possible. Setting your water heater too high causes your boiler to keep firing to maintain water temperature, which can unintentionally radiate heat through uninsulated pipes and warm your home, forcing your air conditioning to work harder. This mistake can cause your AC to work harder, making it difficult to cut energy bills. But by lowering your water heater temperature, you reduce unnecessary indoor warming and enable your air conditioning to run more efficiently, ultimately lowering energy consumption and bills during a heatwave.
Another important tip is to insulate hot water pipes to minimize heat loss and prevent this radiant heating of your living space. Self-sealing adhesive edge foam pipe covers, available in a pack of six, are easy to install and are effective for insulating pipes.
If you have central heating that heats water for radiators or underfloor systems, consider turning down or temporarily switching off the heating function during a heatwave. Maintaining your thermostat at around 78°F (25.5°C) during the day can also help reduce cooling loads and save on energy bills.
Combining water heater adjustments with other cooling strategies like keeping windows and blinds closed during peak heat hours, using fans for ventilation when outdoor air cools, and minimizing heat-generating appliance use (ovens, dryers) during hot days can further optimize your cooling efforts.
The Watts LF70A-F Hot Water Extender Mixing Valve, available at Amazon, is a useful tool for regulating hot water in a system without pushing the boiler too hard. An accurate and easy-to-read hygrometer and thermometer with a magnetic back is also available for monitoring the temperature of your home.
Remember, avoiding turning down your water heater is only one of the things not to do in a heatwave; strategic use of curtains and other methods can also help regulate a home's temperature. A tower fan with 90° oscillation, four modes, an eight-hour timer, touch control, and LED display is available, as well as an oscillating table fan with powerful personal cooling, quiet operation, and a slim, compact design for use while working from home.
A tabletop fan with a range of over 27 feet is available for cooling a room, and insulation tape is available for preventing pipes from freezing during colder winter weather. By implementing these tips, you can keep your home cool this summer while minimizing energy consumption and costs.
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Maintaining the insulation of hot water pipes is essential in minimizing heat loss and preventing unwanted heating of your living space, contributing to a more energy-efficient home and reduced cooling costs during a heatwave (home-and-garden). To further enhance your home's lifestyle and cooling efforts, consider investing in a tower fan with multiple functions, such as oscillation, timer, and whisper-quiet operation (home-and-garden).
