It’s been a scorcher of a summer so far, which means your AC has probably been working overtime. Luckily, there are a couple ways to help keep your home cooler to prevent too much strain on the system.
Close the blinds.
No matter the direction the windows are facing, closing the blinds can help keep the home cooler by blocking out the sun. It will be most effective for rooms that get a lot of direct sunlight, and you could even invest in blackout curtains for maximum effect.
Adjust ceiling fans.
During the summer, ceiling fans should be set in a counterclockwise motion. When they’re on high, that direction helps create a downward airflow to push the cool air down towards the floor. The opposite can be said of the wintertime, which is why it’s good practice to make those seasonal switches.
Fix leaks.
It’s common for homes to have small places where air can get in and out of the home no matter the season. They’re most often found around windows, door frames, and crawl spaces. If you suspect that’s why the cold air hasn’t been sticking around as long as liked, then you could find a company to perform a home energy audit.
Avoid cooking indoors.
On those excessively hot days, try to avoid cooking indoors. Whether you’re cooking on the stovetop or using the oven, turning those appliances on will add unnecessary heat to the home. Instead, try to grill out. Then you can still escape the heat afterwards by eating inside.
Inspect insulation.
Your home’s insulation helps manage the temperature of your home in hot and cold seasons. During the summer, that insulation helps keep the cold air you want inside and the hot air from getting in through the higher points of the home.
Invest in a new system.
An old, struggling HVAC system or one that wasn’t properly sized to your home will work harder and cause the energy bill to go up. If your unit is older than 10 years old, it would benefit your home and budget long-term to look into a replacement. An HVAC company can come inspect your unit and your home to give you options that fit the heating and cooling calculation of your property.
For homeowners located in the Twin Cities, they can call our emergency 24/7 line if their AC goes out during a heatwave. Binder Heating & Air Conditioning is a family-owned company and has been rooted in the Twin Cities metro for over 90 years.
