As temperatures rise during hot summer months in Boston, homeowners often think about how to keep their homes cool while managing their energy costs. There are all kinds of things to consider, and options for every budget. Here are our favorite ways to make home more comfortable in the hottest part of the year.
Inexpensive solutions to keeping your energy bills low:
- Close blinds and drapes in the west-facing parts of your home. If you don’t have any, we suggest getting black-out drapes which significantly dent the heat created by solar radiation.
- Stick to low-energy activities. Avoid cleaning the house or exercising during summer afternoons (unless you’re in a swimming pool)!
- Take a quick cold shower or a cold soak in the tub. It will cool you down so you won’t need as much AC to keep your personal temperature down for a while.
- Be an AC vampire. Take advantage of businesses who are running their AC at the hottest time of the day! Between 3pm and 6pm, try getting out of the house. Libraries, movie theaters, shopping malls, are all great choices. Turn down the temp at home before you go and give your AC a rest.
- Get your central AC maintained. The AC unit itself should be checked and tuned up, the duct work should be checked for leaks and repaired, and filters should be checked/replaced if they’re looking full.
Things that cost more but are effective:
- Try a fan, ceiling fans are best. In between air conditioning cycles, you’ll find that a ceiling fan keeps circulating the cooled air, so maybe you won’t need to crank the AC quite as much. If you’re buying a new ceiling fan, get one that’s reversible so you can choose whether to direct the air up or down.
- Get a portable air conditioner or an AC window unit. These tend to use a lot of energy so you might not get much energy savings out of the deal, but it should be less than a full-sized air conditioner, especially for small spaces.
- If you’re getting your roof replaced you can get a radiant heat barrier installed under it (looks a bit like aluminum foil) which will reflect radiant heat away from the house.
- Insulate your attic! A tremendous amount of heat enters the house via the attic and collects up there, too. By installing high-quality, high R-rating insulation in your attic you can lower your overall AC costs. Mass Save offers insulation rebates of 75-100%. Bonus: during the winter less heat will escape so those bills will be lower, too.
Maybe quick and low-cost fixes just won’t get the job done and you want to tackle the problem head on. It’s probably time to consider replacing your AC unit with a trending alternative: make the leap to a ductless heat pump system instead.
Before you do anything, get a no-cost Home Energy Assessment courtesy of Mass Save. These approved home energy contractors will come out and identify all of the places your home is wasting energy.
They will introduce you to new ways of conserving energy at home — including ductless heat pumps and mini-splits — because Mass Save offers big rebates when you replace old school central AC with modern low-energy alternatives in Massachusetts.
How Ductless Systems Reduce Cooling Costs
Ductless HVAC systems — often called mini-splits or heat pumps — reduce energy expenses during summer, providing both comfort and savings. From innovative technology to proven real-world performance, ductless systems are a smart investment for homeowners seeking energy-efficient cooling.
Central AC vs Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioning
Ductless HVAC systems operate in a similar way to traditional central air conditioning, but without the need for ductwork.
- Central AC: an outdoor compressor and air handling unit forces air throughout the whole home.
- Ductless AC: an outdoor compressor works with an indoor air handler (the “mini split”) to control each room’s temperature independently.
A Fujitsu heat pump, installed by the Home Mechanics crew, helps this family of Bostonians keep cool in the summer without breaking the bank.
The split system setup (vs central HVAC) allows for precise temperature control in specific areas, minimizing energy waste associated with cooling unused spaces.
Additionally, ductless systems offer the flexibility to adjust settings independently in each zone, catering to individual comfort preferences and further optimizing energy efficiency.
Learn more about ducted vs ductless HVAC for the Boston area
Real-World Performance
Numerous studies and real-world applications have demonstrated the energy-saving potential of ductless HVAC systems.
A study published by the U.S. Department of Energy found that ductless mini-split systems can achieve heating and cooling efficiencies higher than traditional systems.
Ductless mini splits save up to 30% in energy consumption by eliminating the ductwork-related losses typically found in central forced air systems.
The study analyzed energy consumption patterns and cooling efficiency in homes equipped with ductless systems, concluding that ductless technology offers a cost-effective solution for summer cooling.
This advantage is particularly significant when ducts are located in spaces like attics where central HVAC isn’t present.
Common Questions about Cost Savings with Ductless Mini Splits
How do ductless mini split systems reduce energy costs during hot weather?
Ductless mini split systems offer energy-efficient cooling by allowing homeowners to set specific temperature zones and avoid cooling unused areas. Additionally, the absence of ductwork minimizes energy loss associated with air leakage, resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced cooling costs.
Can ductless mini split systems help lower electricity bills in the summer?
Yes, ductless mini split systems can contribute to lower electricity bills during the summer months. Their ability to provide targeted cooling in specific areas of the home allows for more efficient temperature control, reducing the overall demand on the system and lowering energy usage. Also consider proper attic insulation.
Do ductless mini split systems offer cost savings compared to traditional central air conditioning?
In many cases, yes. Ductless mini split systems are often more energy-efficient than traditional central air conditioning systems, leading to lower cooling costs.
By eliminating the need for ductwork and providing zoned cooling options, ductless systems can help homeowners save money on their electricity bills while maintaining indoor comfort levels.
Maximizing Energy Savings with Ductless Mini Splits
As summer temperatures soar, Boston area homeowners can rely on ductless HVAC systems to provide efficient and cost-effective cooling solutions.
With their zoned cooling capabilities, inverter technology, and energy-efficient design, ductless systems offer substantial energy savings while maintaining indoor comfort levels.
By opting for ductless systems, you not only reduce your carbon footprint but also enjoy long-term savings on energy bills.
At Home Mechanics, we specialize in ductless HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair services. We even handle your Mass Save paperwork and help with the Federal tax credits.
Contact us to learn more about how ductless systems can help you save on energy costs this summer and beyond.
In Chelmsford, many residents can leverage Mass Save rebates and incentives to further offset the cost of installing a ductless mini-split system.
By consulting with a qualified Chelmsford HVAC contractor specializing in mini-splits, you can determine if this innovative technology is the right choice for your home comfort needs.