The dog-days of summer are coming, so what can you do to keep your home cool when the heat and humidity rise outside? There are volumes of suggestions, but here are the 8 we find are useful for efficiency in cooling and keeping electric bills under control. So, pour yourself a glass of sweet-tea and see how you can cool off this summer.
Eight Tips for Keeping Your Home Cool this Summer:
1. Ensure east and west facing windows are well-shaded or have insulated window treatments, preferably in a light color that will reflect heat.
2. Keep doors, windows and other openings closed during the day to keep maximum heat and humidity outside.
3. Wait until evening to do activities that warm the house like drying clothes, baking or starting the dishwasher.
4. Use fans to keep air moving to be more comfortable at warmer temperatures. Most folks are comfortable between 72 and 78F, but with good airflow, you might be comfortable at 76-80F.
5. Make sure your air conditioner is efficient and appropriate for the space it’s cooling. Also change filters regularly for optimal air flow.
6. Try to reduce activities that add moisture to the air, but try not to use a dehumidifier while the air conditioner is running. Dehumidifiers actually make an AC unit work harder.
7. Make sure air ducts are sealed and insulated, especially if they run through spaces that are not cooled, like attics or under the house.
8. Shade the outside half of your central AC if possible. This can improve the unit’s performance by up to 10%.
Employing these tips will help you keep cool and comfortable by getting the best performance possible from your AC unit. If your unit isn’t under a regular service contract, get a professional to check it twice a year, preferably in the spring before the hottest weather arrives and again in the fall before winter cold arrives.
Do you have a tip for keeping a home cool? We’d love to hear it.