We're going into the warmest part of the summer here in the United States and many
of us facing a hard decision: We can stay cool and comfortable in our houses by paying high energy bills due to the cost of running our AC all day long or we can skip the AC and be hot and humid.
Don't worry because there are some things you can do to keep your house cool while still saving cash. Here are a just some of the many easy ways you can help your air conditioner work less in the heat of the summer.
Shades on Windows and Doors: Sunlight streaming in through your windows can heat your home like an oven. You'll be amazed at how much cooler your home can be with the well thought-out placement of a few light-blocking blinds over your brightest windows. Regular shades probably aren't enough. You'll want to use a full light-blocking blind. Most light-blocking blinds actually have a thick plastic liner built into them. You can keep your regular decorative shades in place, just be sure to also use light blocking curtains on the same window or doorway. Blocking out that light during the sunniest part of the day can make a large difference in cooling.
Replace your AC Air Filters: Whether you have a central air conditioner or window AC units, you have to clean and eventually replace your air filters every so often to make sure you have a consistent flow of cool air. A dirty air filter can stop air from being blown efficiently by your air conditioner. If your air filter is really dirty it could actually cause your air conditioner blower to break down which could end up being expensive to fix. This is definitely one of the single most important central air conditioner maintenance tips. You'll want to inspect your air filters once every other month and follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and replacing your air filters on a regular schedule.
Insulate and Seal: 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 small openings where cool air could slip out. If you have window air conditioning units you may want to make sure they are fastened securely and have no gaps around the installation hardware. If you have a central AC then you should check as much of the aluminum vent system as you can. Utilize aluminum duct work tape to seal up any pin holes or gaps that may be releasing cool air. You may also want to close 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.
And don't forget, even switching the ceiling fan direction can make a huge cooling difference in a room. All of these home cooling methods will help keep your house interior cool and help your air conditioner keep running efficiently this summer. These are just some of the many do-it-yourself home cooling methods you can use to stay comfortable inside during the dog days of the summer months. If you choose to utilize these energy saving methods together you can really lower your electric bills this summer.