As the temperatures heat up in spring and continue through summer, people want to stay cool and out of the heat. However, that could be costly if you run your air conditioning unit as your only means of staying cool. If you want to stay cool without using more energy than needed, there are some simple ways you can do that. Letting cool air from the night come in and trapping it in during the day can help. Finding a comfortable setting on your thermostat that is similar to the air outside can help as well.
Efficient Use of Your Thermostat
Your thermostat setting can help you save energy or cause you to use more than you need. Knowing how to set your thermostat can help you be more energy efficient. If you are not going to be home, set your thermostat for a higher setting than you normally would, and then set it back to your normal cooler setting when you get home. It is not wise to turn your thermostat down lower than normal. Turning it down too low will not help cool your house quicker, it will only cause unnecessary energy usage and you will still be hot.
Natural Ventilation
If it gets cool at night where you live, it is a good idea to turn your air conditioning unit off, open your windows, and let the cool night air come in. Then, when you wake up, close all your windows and blinds so that the air does not escape. You may also want to install window coverings that prevent heat from entering your house. Heat from the sun can enter your home if you allow sunlight to shine in through your windows.
Cooling System Maintenance
If your unit is not well maintained, it will use more energy and can cause problems. Your unit could quit working which would leave you without a working cooling unit until a professional could fix it. Having your unit routinely maintained can keep it running efficiently and keep it cooling your home as it should. If you keep your unit well-maintained you can save energy and keep your home cool.
Other Tips to Keep Cool
Ceiling fans can be very helpful in keeping your home cool. Your ceiling fans can allow you to raise your thermostat by about 4°F. Remember to turn ceiling fans off when no one is in the room. Ceiling fans do not cool rooms, they cool people.
Minimize activities that generate a lot of heat, such as running a computer, running a dishwasher, burning open flames, and using hot devices such as curling irons or hair dryers. TVs and stereos can also add heat to your home. Don’t take baths, take short showers.
If you need more tips on keeping your house cool during spring and summer, call Air Handlers OBX today. Our trained techs at Air Handlers have the experience and know-how to fix and maintain your heating and cooling units. Don’t let the heat get to you or your system, call us at Air Handlers today and let our trained techs make your spring and summer better.
