Beat the Heat: Energy-Saving Tips From Experts to Keep Cool This Summer
Are you searching for a way to stay cool indoors this summer without spending too much? Check out these energy-saving tips to beat the heat without spending a fortune on air conditioning.
Service your air conditioner
It's never too late to have professional air conditioner service done. A tune-up goes far beyond changing the unit's filter. It involves a thorough cleaning of the inside and outside components. Qualified HVAC technicians check your system for refrigerant leaks and mechanical issues that can cause the air conditioner to work overtime to meet your cooling needs. The more you can help your air conditioning do its job, the less energy it uses.
Follow the 20-degree rule
As a general rule, modern air conditioners, no matter their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), find it difficult to cool your home's interior more than 20 degrees below the outdoor temperature. For example, if it's 94 degrees Fahrenheit outside, set the thermostat no lower than 74 degrees Fahrenheit inside. If you set the thermostat to a lower temperature, the air conditioner is likely to run continuously.
When outside temperatures soar, you can stay cooler with the 20-degree rule by doing the following:
Tilt blinds upward to block the heat from the sun and reduce heat gain by as much as 45%.
Keep curtains closed during the day, and consider installing blackout curtains to reduce heat gain.
Use ceiling fans, making sure the blades move in a counterclockwise direction to create a windchill effect.
Avoid using the oven
If you want to lower your cooling costs by as much as 10%, skip baking and consider cooking outside or using your microwave. Save the elaborate lasagna and roast chicken meals for cooler weather.
Ensure unobstructed airflow
Make sure you keep all the vents in the home open and not blocked. If you close vents or have furniture, plants, or other objects blocking them, air can't move freely. It's OK to shut doors to rooms not in use, but don't close the vents. You want unobstructed airflow to keep the AC from working harder and using more energy than necessary.
Also, pay attention to the outdoor condenser unit. Once a week, hose off the unit and remove any debris, such as sticks, grass clippings, or leaves. If the condenser gets clogged with debris, it works harder to meet cooling demands, and energy costs rise. A dirty condenser also increases the risk of mechanical issues, something you don't want in the dead of summer.
For more useful energy-saving tips to keep your home cool this summer, check out our Instagram. We can help you find expert local HVAC professionals to help you with all your home cooling needs.
