Dear Members,
It’s mid-July as I write this, and we’re enjoying some of our first warm weather of the season.
If you’re dreaming of air conditioning, consider adding a heat pump in homes with ductwork or a ductless heating and cooling system in homes with zonal heat. Heat pumps and ductless systems provide energy-efficient summer air conditioning and affordable winter heating.
For a limited time, we are offering rebates on qualifying high- efficiency heat pump models installed by qualifying contractors.
To learn more, visit our Heat Pump Rebates page.
Here are some simple tips for keeping cool and lowering your energy bills:
- Close blinds and drapes during daylight hours — If you can, shade your windows from the outside to keep the sun off the glass. This simple step lowered the temperature on the inside of my windows by 10 degrees.
- Keep your doors and windows closed during the day to keep out heat — Open them at night or early in the morning and use fans to pull cool breezes through. Last summer, we used this strategy to keep the co-op office cool while our air-conditioning system was being repaired. Cooling down the office in the morning made a big difference in our afternoon comfort level.
- Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms — Turn off or unplug unnecessary electronics.
- Skip your dishwasher’s drying cycle — Air-dry dishes instead.
- Dry your laundry on a clothesline — If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting.
- Cook more meals outdoors on a grill or in your microwave — Avoid using the oven, which adds heat to your home.
- Use fans to keep cool — Turn them off when you leave the room.
- If you have an air conditioner or heat pump — shade the outdoor unit and make sure it has good airflow on all sides.
- Install awnings or plant deciduous trees — to shade sun-facing windows.
- Check your air filters monthly — Clogged filters make your air conditioner or heat pump work harder.
Facility Update
Although the threat of COVID-19 has not dissipated, we have cautiously reopened our lobby to limited walk-in traffic. Masks are required.
We wish you a safe and enjoyable summer!
Libby Calnon
General Manager