When it’s hot outside, it’s tempting to crank the air conditioning to keep it cool inside. While the thought of basking in the chill of the AC may sound inviting, there are quite a few ways to cool your home without racking up your utility bill.
The experts at Air Rescue have compiled a list of ways for you and your home to stay cool:
- Close the blinds. This is probably the easiest thing you can do to cool down your home and prevent your living space from becoming a greenhouse. As much as 30 percent of your home’s heat comes through the windows. Using shades, blinds, and other window coverings can help you save on your electric bill and lower the inside temperature as much as 20 degrees. Investing in blackout curtains, especially in your south- and west-facing rooms can help further reduce heat gain.
- Set the ceiling fan. Your ceiling needs to be adjusted seasonally to reap its full benefits. Set it to run counter-clockwise at a higher speed to create a breeze effect, keeping you and your family cooler.
- Heat-proof the bedroom. Changing your sheets will not only freshen your bedroom, but it can also help keep you cool. Cotton sheets breathe easy and stay cooler than flannel sheets. If you’re still feeling the heat, place your sheets in the freezer before going to bed or place a chilled water bottle under your feet to achieve a cooling effect.
- Breathe the night air. If the temperatures drop during the nighttime hours, take advantage of the cool air by cracking open the windows. Better yet, creates a cross breeze with strategic placement of fans. Just remember to close the windows before the temps warm up during the day.
- Grill out. Using the oven or stove in the warmer weather will heat up your home Make most of the weather by grilling and enjoying the outdoors.
- Switch to CFLs. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are more energy-efficient by incandescent bulbs. The latter wastes up to 90 percent of their energy by emitting heat, so switching will help cool your home and lower your electric bill.
- Make long-term home improvements. Adding an insulated window film will keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Planting trees and installing awnings by light-facings windows will also protect your home from the warmth of the sun, reducing the amount of heat absorbed.
If you need a licensed professional to check your HVAC system, or you’re in the market for air duct cleaning, repair, and/or replacement services in Tampa, St. Petersburg and the surrounding area, call Air Rescue at 813-358-3431. Schedule your service visit today, and we’re confident that you’ll make us our HVAC company for life.
Sources
https://fitsmallbusiness.com/how-to-keep-your-house-cool-tips/
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-cool-down-a-room-stsetivw-vs~87988107
https://www.thespruce.com/window-air-conditioning-tricks-1824737