Summer is an exciting season full of outdoor activities and dips in the pool. Many of us take advantage of the sunshine before a winter of staying inside, but as the fun comes to an end, coming home to a conditioned house is key to ending a good day. It can be tempting to crank the AC, but there are other ways of cooling down without raising your energy bill.
Exposed windows can let in large amounts of heat during the summer. Closing your blinds, investing in blackout curtains, and installing window tint are great ways to cool down your home significantly. Not only will it keep your home comfortable, but it will also keep your air conditioner working at max capacity to cool down your home more efficiently and at a faster rate.
Does it feel like your ceiling fans are pushing hot air around when they are on? Your speculation might be correct. Check to see if they are rotating counter-clockwise. If not, cool air is being pushed upwards rather than downwards, producing a heating effect. On most ceiling fans, there is a switch on the side to turn it counter-clockwise. Set your fans to rotate at the highest speed for the best cooling effects.
If your air conditioner doesn't seem to be keeping up with the heat, it might be time to change the air filter. A clogged or dirty filter can make your A/C work harder than it needs to. Air filters should get changed about every four months, but they can vary depending on the type of filter. Always check the label on your air filter for recommendations about how often you should be changing it.
When the sun is shining bright, it encourages us all to be more active. Instead of cozying up next to a warm fire, we are running in and out of the house for various activities planned throughout the day. Although it seems like there is no harm in opening the door for a few seconds, it lets in quite a bit of hot air. Try to keep the doors shut as much as possible throughout the day to get the most out of your air-conditioned house when it's time to rest.
A sticky and uncomfortable home can take the fun right out of summer. Use these tips to stay comfortable, even on the hottest days.