When the summer swelter kicks in, it’s tempting to crank the air conditioning to stay cool. But it’s all too easy to depend too much on your AC, in turn leading to exorbitant energy bills and unnecessary wear and tear on your system. At Aire One Keswick, we advocate intelligent cooling methods that provide you with comfort and save you money. Here are our seven best tips for keeping your house cool without overworking your AC.
1. Use Ceiling Fans Strategically
Ceiling fans are an inexpensive way to enhance air flow and make rooms feel cooler. Because they circulate air, they make your body feel as much as 4 degrees cooler — even when the room’s actual temperature hasn’t moved. Just don’t forget to turn them off when you leave the room and save energy.
2. Close Curtains and Blinds During Peak Sunlight
The sunlight that enters your home through your windows can cause your indoor temperature to rise considerably. Close your blinds, shades, or blackout curtains during the hottest part of the day (typically 12 PM to 4 PM). Just this small act alone can drop indoor temps a few degrees and ease up the load on your AC.
3. Seal Air Leaks and Improve Insulation
If cool air is seeping out through cracks in your windows, doors or through poorly insulated walls, your air conditioning system needs to work harder to keep the temperature at its set level. “The more the envelope is tight, the healthier the house is and the more comfortable it is.” Plugging all the leaks and adding some insulation can make a difference in comfort and energy spent.
4. Cook Smart
Not to mention, your oven or stovetop might increase the ambient temperature in your home, particularly in smaller units. Go with no-cook meals, slow cookers, or outdoor grilling when it’s hot outside. And cooking at night, when it’s cooler, will also help stave off an overworked AC.
5. Use a Programmable Thermostat
A smart or programmable thermostat helps regulate your home’s temperature more efficiently. Program the thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re away, lower when you’re home. This minimizes inefficient cooling and, ultimately, your energy cost, without watering down your chill.
6. Change Your Air Filters Regularly
Dirty air filters can block airflow and make your AC work harder. Be sure to replace or wash your filters every 1 to 3 months based on use. This increases energy efficiency, provides better indoor air quality, and extends the life of your AC.
7. Schedule Regular AC Maintenance
It’s essential to keep up with the maintenance on your AC so your system is running at 100% efficiency all summer long. Regular maintenance from your local HVAC Company— such as the team at Aire One Keswick— can pinpoint problems early so it doesn’t escalate into major repair work and can also have your system running like never before.
Stay Cool and Save Energy with Aire One Keswick
Cooling your home does not have to come at the expense of overworking your air conditioner. With just a few simple habits, you’ll have a more comfortable home, use less energy and help prolong the life of your AC system.
Do you need some help with AC upkeep or an upgrade?
Call Aire One Keswick Now for HVAC You Can Count On, keeping you cool all summer long.
