Preparing Your Home for Heat Waves and Climate Challenges
As a pet owner, you want your home to be a cozy haven for your furry companions-without sending your energy bills through the roof. Fortunately, you can keep your pets comfortable while making your home more energy efficient. Here’s HomeWorks Energy’s guide to striking the perfect balance between pet comfort and household energy savings.
Adjusting HVAC Settings for Pets
- Program Your Thermostat: Pets generally tolerate a wider range of temperatures than humans. In the summer, set your thermostat to 78–80°F when you’re away; in winter, 68–72°F is usually comfortable for most pets. For short trips out, you can let the temperature rise or fall a few degrees more, but always consider your pet’s breed, age, and health-consult your vet for specific recommendations.
- Programmable Thermostats: Invest in a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule. This ensures your pet stays comfortable without wasting energy when the house is empty.
- Fans and Ventilation: Avoid leaving fans on for pets-unlike humans, most animals don’t benefit from moving air in the same way, and fans won’t actually lower the room temperature. Instead, use ceiling fans only when you’re home or rely on natural ventilation when weather allows.
Switching to Ductless Mini Splits
- Why Mini Splits? Ductless mini-split systems allow you to control the temperature in specific rooms or zones. This is ideal for pet owners who want to keep pet areas comfortable without heating or cooling the entire house.
- Efficiency Benefits: Mini splits are highly energy efficient, especially when compared to traditional ducted systems that can lose energy through leaks. They also provide precise temperature control, so you can maintain the perfect environment for your pets while minimizing wasted energy.
Get Access to Mass Save Incentives
HomeWorks is a Mass Save partner, which means that you get access to special incentives such as:
- 0% financing up to $25,000 for approved upgrades
- Up to $10,000 in qualifying heat pump rebates
- 75-100% off approved insulation
- 100% off air sealing
Air Sealing to Keep in the Cool (or Warm) Air
- Seal Pet Doors: Standard pet doors are notorious for letting conditioned air escape. Upgrade to an insulated, airtight pet door with strong magnetic seals-these can be up to 15 times better at blocking outside air than standard models. If replacing isn’t an option, regularly check and caulk around existing doors to prevent drafts.
- Draft-Proof Windows and Doors: Inspect and weatherstrip windows and doors, especially in rooms where your pets spend the most time. Even small gaps can let in cold or hot air, making your HVAC system work harder.
- Close Vents in Unused Areas: If you can, close air vents in rooms your pets don’t use so more conditioned air goes where it’s needed most.
Choosing Energy-Efficient Pet Products
- Self-Warming or Cooling Beds: Invest in energy-efficient pet bedding, such as self-warming or cooling mats. These regulate your pet’s body temperature without using electricity, reducing the need to adjust your home’s thermostat.
- Pet Water Fountains: Cats and dogs often drink more from running water sources. Energy-efficient pet fountains encourage hydration and use minimal power.
- Automatic Heating Pads: For pets sensitive to cold, use low-wattage heating pads or self-warming beds with automatic shut-off features, instead of heating the whole house.
- UV or Ceramic Heaters for Exotics: If you have reptiles or birds, opt for efficient UV or ceramic heaters with built-in safety features.
Insulating Pet Areas for Comfort and Savings
- Insulate Sleeping Spots: Add extra insulation or weatherproofing to pet rooms, crates, or enclosures. Place beds away from drafty windows or doors, and use insulated bedding for extra warmth.
- Sunlight and Shade: In winter, open blinds to let sunlight warm your pet’s favorite spot. In summer, provide shaded areas or access to cool tile floors.
- Zone Heating/Cooling: If your pet spends most of its time in one area, consider using a ductless mini-split or a portable, energy-efficient heater or air conditioner just for that space.
Additional Tips for Pet-Friendly Efficiency
- Turn Off TVs and Lights: Pets don’t need artificial light or background TV noise when you’re away. Save energy by turning them off-your pet will be just as happy with toys or a comfy bed.
- Monitor Pet Behavior: Watch for signs your pet is too hot or cold, such as panting, shivering, or seeking out cool or warm spots. Adjust your setup as needed.
- Provide Plenty of Water: Especially in summer, always leave extra water out for your pets. Hydration helps them regulate their body temperature naturally.
Summary Table: Key Energy-Saving Strategies for Pet Owners
Take the Next Step
By making a few smart adjustments and investing in energy-efficient solutions, you can keep your pets comfortable year-round while keeping your energy bills in check. Your furry friends-and your wallet-will thank you!
Get started today with a no-cost energy assessment by HomeWorks Energy. HomeWorks Energy is a proud Mass Save® partner helping thousands of Massachusetts homeowners increase their energy savings and live more comfortably. Let us help you next!
