Ideas for a Cool and Efficient Summer

August 13, 2020

In a previous blog post, we examined tips to save energy while using air conditioning. Since some time has passed, we thought it wise to reiterate some common suggestions and offer fresh ones. Keep reading to discover – or rediscover – ideas for a cool and efficient summer.

Keep your cool

When it gets hot and muggy outside, your home becomes a cool escape. To maintain your comfortable, conditioned indoor air:

• Seal up any cracks and add caulking or weather stripping around doors and windows. This will keep the cold air in and the hot air out.
• Use the stove top, microwave, or outdoor grill for cooking. Avoid turning on the oven so your A/C doesn’t have to work harder to offset heat from the kitchen.
• Turn off appliances when they’re not in use. Go one step further and unplug things like TVs, phone chargers, coffee makers, computers, and other electronic devices. This equipment expends “phantom energy” when turned off but still plugged into a power source.
• Only use kitchen and bathroom fans when needed. They suck out your cool air.
• Air-dry dishes and laundry when possible.

Utilize windows

Your home’s windows are its gateway to the outdoors, but make sure you’re using them wisely this summer.

• Rather than indoor lighting, make use of natural light to save energy. Avoid direct sunlight, though, to prevent those rays from heating up your home’s interior.
• If evenings are cool, give your A/C a rest and instead open the windows while you sleep.

Maintenance

People need routine physical exams, and your A/C unit should also have scheduled check-ups to stay in top shape. Equipment that is poorly maintained uses more energy to operate.

• Consider replacing an older unit with a new, high-efficiency model.
• Check and replace air filters as needed. Dirty filters inhibit air flow, which causes your A/C to work harder.
• Keep evaporator and condenser coils free from leaves and other debris.
• Have a qualified professional service your A/C unit annually.

A little help

We all need a little help from time to time, and your A/C unit is no different. Your home’s system works hard to keep you comfortable, so give it a break when you can.

• Keep shades and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day.
• Save heat-generating activities, such as running the dishwasher or drying clothes, for nighttime, when temperatures are usually cooler.
• Check vents to make sure they aren’t covered by furniture or other obstructions, so that air can flow freely.
• Boost air flow with a ceiling or floor fan. Using a fan will make the air feel several degrees cooler, though the air itself won’t necessarily be colder.

When things heat up outside, be sure you have the information you need to enjoy a cool and efficient summer. For all your air conditioning needs, Hanson’s Plumbing & Heating provides annual maintenance, repairs, replacement, and installation. If you need cool comfort this season, contact us today.