During the sizzling summer months, everyone is looking for a way to stay cool without running up the electric bill. Follow these tips to keep your home cool (and green) all summer long!
How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient This Summer
#1. Install a heat pump
For the most energy efficient way to cool your home, look no further than heat pumps. Heat pumps are electric (meaning they do not rely on fossil fuels) and provide heating and cooling. The way they operate is simple: these systems transfer heat from one area to another. In cooling mode, heat pumps extract heat from inside the home and release it outside to cool indoor spaces. During the colder months, the process is reversed.
For added energy efficiency, we highly recommend inverter heat pumps. Conventional heat pumps frequently cycle on and off, which can cause temperature spikes that are uncomfortable and waste energy. In contrast, inverter-driven heat pumps can modulate. The inverter compressor can change its frequency to match the demand for heating or cooling, providing a consistent room temperature and steady energy usage. Bosch heat pumps are driven by inverter technology—more on that here.
Because heat pumps help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there are many state rebates and federal tax credits available to homeowners for installing these systems. Recent legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act, suggest that financial incentives will only continue to increase. See tax credits & rebates available in your area for Bosch products.
#2. Look for high SEER2 ratings
Once you start looking around for a new heat pump, be on the lookout for systems with high SEER2 ratings. SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, measures the cooling efficiency of a heat pump or air conditioner. SEER2 is an updated version of SEER set by the Department of Energy that went into effect at the beginning of this year. The goal of SEER2 is to mimic real-world conditions more accurately than SEER by utilizing the M1 blower testing procedure.
When looking for a new unit, just remember: the higher the SEER2 rating, the higher the efficiency.
#3. Use EnergyStar appliances
ENERGY STAR® is a blue label that you will find on energy efficient home appliances. Backed by the government, the ENERGY STAR symbol helps consumers and businesses identify the most environmentally friendly solutions to meet their energy needs. Air source heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, smart thermostats, refrigerators, and washers/dryers are all types of appliances that could meet EnergyStar.
Many Bosch cooling solutions qualify for the Energy Star label. Browse our Heat Pump & Air Conditioning Systems to learn more.
#4. Remember to adjust the thermostat
When you are away from home, there is no need to run the AC/heat as much as usual. One effortless way to save energy and money on your monthly bills is to set your thermostat back when you are getting ready to leave for an extended period, such as for work or a vacation.
Also, did you know that setting your thermostat back by 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling? Homes in temperate climates will see the biggest savings with this.
What if you leave home for a while but forget to adjust your thermostat on your way out the door? Bosch smart thermostats allow you to remotely control your home temperature from wherever you are.