Summertime is here! We’re now entering the hottest part of the summer and many of us facing a hard decision: We can stay cool and dry in our houses by paying high energy bills due to the cost of running our air conditioners all day long or we can skip the air conditioner and be hot and humid.
Don’t worry, there are some steps you can take to keep your house cool while still saving money. If you’re struggling with paying your electric bill this summer then take heart because here are a few simple ways you can help keep your home cooler in the heat of the summer.
Shades on Windows and Doors: Sunlight pouring in through your windows can heat your home like an oven. You’ll be amazed at how much cooler your house can be with the well thought-out placement of a few light-blocking blinds over your brightest windows. Regular blinds probably aren’t enough. You’ll want to use a full light-blocking blind. Most light-blocking blinds actually have a specially designed plastic liner built into them. You can keep your regular decorative curtains in place, just be sure to also use light blocking shades on the same window or doorway. Blocking out that light during the warmest part of the day can make a large difference in cooling.
Check your Air Conditioner Filters: Both window air conditioners and central air conditioners need to have their air filters regularly replaced. If your air filter is really dirty it could actually cause your air conditioner blower to overheat which could end up being costly to fix. A blocked air filter can stop air from being blown efficiently by your air conditioner. You’ll want to inspect your air filters once every other month and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and replacing your air filters on a regular schedule. This is probably one of the single most overlooked central air conditioner maintenance tips.
Plug Up Air Gaps: One way to keep your house cooler is to make sure you’re not losing any cool air from your AC where you shouldn’t be. You can check all your windows and doors searching for gaps where cool air could slip out. If you have a central AC then you should check as much of the metal duct work as you can. Use aluminum duct work tape to cover up any small holes or gaps that may be releasing cool air. If you have window AC units you may want to make sure they are fastened securely and have no gaps around the installation hardware. You may also want to seal off the air vent registers and close the doors in rooms you don’t use so that your AC doesn’t have to try to cool those rooms too.
Any one of these home cooling methods will help keep your home interior cool and help your air conditioner keep running well this summer. These are just some of the many do-it-yourself home cooling methods you can use to stay comfortable inside during the heat of the summer months. If you choose to utilize these home cooling methods together you can really lower your electric bills this summer.
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