5 Ways to Keep Your Home Cool this Summer
A large number of people have high electric bills because their air conditioners aren't running at optimal levels. In addition, many people have high electric bills from not using their air conditioner efficiently. Poor insulation, a lack of regular maintenance and other factors can create issues with air conditioning costs. However, there are a few ways to keep your home cool this summer without experiencing high electric bills.
1. Increase Your Insulation
Most homes don’t have sufficient insulation. Depending upon where you live, you need to have anywhere between a value of R39 and R65 in insulation. Some people might recommend that you insulate your attic, but you will want to make sure it has adequate air flow to prevent ice dams during the colder months. Insulation will ensure that warm air doesn't come into your home during the summer, and it will prevent warm air from leaving your home in the winter.
2. Block the Sun
The sun can add as much as 15 degrees Fahrenheit to your home’s indoor temperature. This can impede your air conditioning efforts. You can block the sun’s rays from your windows to prevent overheating with awnings, trees and other sun-blocking methods. Energy-efficient windows can also prevent the sun from heating up your home because the sun is refracted from the home.
3. Improve Air Flow
It’s a good idea to frequently change out your filters. You should also clean your air ducts regularly. This helps to improve air flow, which can help to circulate the air in your home better and increase comfort. It also serves to decrease mold growth and reduce indoor air pollution, which adds to your overall HVAC experience.
4. Arrange for Regular Air Conditioning Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures your HVAC runs at optimal levels. If you have any sort of problem with your HVAC system, it will run harder than it should in order to cool the air in your home down. This means that it will use excessive amounts of electricity, which translates to higher bills. You should get air conditioning maintenance twice a year. You need it before the summer and after it. This will help you save money in the long-run with your bills, but it will also save you from expensive repairs down the road.
5. Other Tips and Tricks
You can open your windows in the morning to make use of the morning’s cool air. Then, keep them closed for the remainder of the day. Use ceiling fans in rooms you will be sitting in to feel cooler. Fans don't really cool the air, but they can make the room feel eight degrees (Fahrenheit) cooler.
For more information on how to increase your home's HVAC efficiency while keeping cost low, call Romano Bros. Heating & Air today!
