As temperatures rise, so do energy bills—and indoor air quality often suffers, too. By taking a few simple steps now, you can reduce energy use, lower your utility bills and create a healthier, more comfortable home this summer and beyond.
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Service your equipment: Schedule a tune-up for your air conditioner or heat pump to ensure it’s running efficiently before the first major heat wave. Taking this step could help reduce energy use and prevent your system from breaking during an extreme weather event. If you need assistance with summer maintenance checks, contact us! Our team performs them regularly and would love to help.
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Clean or replace air filters: Clogged filters reduce airflow and trap allergens, creating poor air quality and forcing your system to work harder. Swap them out regularly to improve both performance and indoor air quality.
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Install an air monitor: Installing an indoor air monitor can help identify safety concerns and pollution sources. We like the PurpleAir monitor, which measures real-time PM2.5 concentrations for residential or commercial buildings.
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Adjust your thermostat: Raise your thermostat a few degrees when you’re away or sleeping. A programmable or smart thermostat can automate settings for optimal comfort and savings.
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Use natural ventilation: Instead of using air conditioning, try to use natural ventilation by opening windows and doors at night. Not only will this reduce energy use; it will allow fresh air to enter your home.
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Invest in window coverings: Use blinds, curtains, or exterior shading to block direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.
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Dust and vacuum regularly: Dust and allergens can accumulate in your home, causing allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems. Regular cleaning—especially around air vents—helps maintain good indoor air quality and system efficiency.
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Switch ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise: In summer mode, fans should spin counterclockwise to create a cooling, downward breeze and reduce your need for AC. If purchasing a new ceiling fan, look for one with an ENERGY STAR rating.
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Strategically plant shade trees: Planting shade trees around your home can help reduce the amount of direct sunlight that enters your home. This can help keep your home cool in the summer and reduce the need for air conditioning.
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Hang your laundry outside: Take advantage of spring and summer weather to dry your laundry naturally rather than using a clothes dryer.
Is Your Aging House Ready For a Whole-Home Renovation?
While these steps can make a noticeable difference during peak summer heat, a whole-home renovation can deliver year-round comfort, lower energy bills and create beautiful, more functional spaces. At Green Hammer, we’ve helped many homeowners take a holistic approach—improving insulation, upgrading HVAC systems and integrating renewable energy solutions.
In one renovation of a 1908 house in Portland’s Buckman neighborhood, we honored its historic charm while introducing clean, contemporary design and deep energy upgrades. The project included a kitchen expansion, an attic conversion into a bedroom suite and yoga studio, and signature Green Hammer features like heat recovery ventilation, triple-pane windows and a rooftop solar array.
Across town, in Portland’s Irvington neighborhood, we transformed a 1922 bungalow by expanding the original 800-square-foot home with a 1,000-square-foot addition. We preserved the historic facade while creating a space-efficient, modern interior with comprehensive energy upgrades. This Earth Advantage Platinum-certified home includes heat recovery ventilation, a mini-split heat pump, Pacific madrone cabinetry, and a central vacuum system for healthier indoor air.