Sun’s out and school’s out -summer is officially here! Maybe you’re heading to the Hamptons every weekend or are planning to lounge on your building’s roof deck (aka concrete beach). If you’re a co-op or condo board member, you should also be planning for higher utilities costs. New York City had its hottest summer in 2020, and 2021 is looking no different. That’s why it’s vital to have quality HVAC systems that keep residents comfortable in common areas. Increased electricity costs can be painful, so we have some tips to help increase your A/C efficiency and decrease your costs:

1. Free Filters: Clogged filters prevent air flow, thus making units use more energy to cool the space with poorer air quality. The extra energy output can translate to a 5-10% bump in cost. A simple solution for NYC condo and co-op board members is to change the filters monthly or at least every 2-3 months.

2. Intact Insulation: Insulation doesn’t just keep heat in during winter months. It also keeps heat out during the summer, ensuring rooms that A/C units have just cooled stay cool. A qualified consultant can explore many options to increase insulation energy efficiency, and we’ll give you a few here:

   1. How old is your ductwork? Ducts that need to be replaced or resealed leak cool air - and cold cash. “Aeroseal” is a popular sealant used on ducts to prevent cool air from escaping before it even gets to the room.

   2. Every time someone walks through your building’s front doors, expensive cold air leaves the building while hot air gushes in. While not technically considered insulation, revolving doors, as opposed to regular hinged doors, can help insulate cool air inside the co-op or condo building lobby by preventing this exchange.

   3. Want a quick DIY trick for common areas? Open windows in early mornings and late evenings, when the outside air is cooler. Then seal them shut during the hottest hours of the day!

3. Smart systems: Upgrading your NYC co-op or condo building’s HVAC systems can be expensive up-front, but save the building money (and monthlies!) for years to come. Look for smart HVAC solutions that can run on timers. Many programs offer rebates and tax incentives for installing HVAC solutions that are Energy Star-certified.

Cooling off doesn’t have to cost - talk to The Folson Group today to find savings for the summer.