If you need to have AC on for large portions of the day, run it around 78°F (27°C ) or above. This is the best temperature for comfort, efficiency and savings. If you need to run it a little lower than that, do it for short periods of time, preferably when the sun is rising or setting. When the weather is naturally a little cooler outside (morning/night), even a couple degrees, it's easier for your AC unit to make the change!
Don't Skip Repairs
Lastly, prioritize AC maintenance and repairs. Skipping on maintenance and repairs can lead to bigger problems down the road, costing most time, money and comfort. The last thing any of us want is a house with a broken AC unit in the middle of August!
You don't want to waste money on using a unit that isn't working at its best. You can hire a professional AC maintenance team to perform regular inspections and cleaning. This will keep your home’s AC unit running efficiently during summer months.
Learn How to Use Less Air Conditioning
Good airflow, a well-insulated home, and a shaded exterior can help with comfort during the hottest summer months. If you’re in need of maintenance or repair on your AC unit, don’t wait until it’s 118ºF! outside, call Parker and Sons today. Parker and Sons are a trusted name in the business, taking care of HVAC mainte In 2023, Arizona experienced record-breaking heat with one of its hottest summers yet, hitting 54 days over 110ºF! In the desert, home air conditioning units are a necessity, but using them for the whole summer season can be an expensive way to cool a house.
Instead, use your HVAC systems in combination with other cooling techniques. In this article, we cover lots of easy ways to maintain a comfortable interior temperature. You will learn how to use less air conditioning without compromising on comfort. This can help you be more efficient and reduce your average AC bill. Read on to find out more!
Keeping it Breezy
Using Fans
A simple way to start is to incorporate fans into your cooling plan. They vary in size, so find something that fits your space and budget.
Working from home? Choose a bladeless fan appreciated for its noiseless features. They don't disturb you while you're working, or relaxing. Other fans are designed to with built in air filters to help improve air quality in your home while cooling down the house.
Try and be strategic about where you place the fans. This way, you can circulate the air efficiently whilst creating a nice cooling breeze.
Ceiling fans are a good option for those who don't have a lot of floor space. They also tend to be more powerful if you want to create a wind-chill effect at home.
Ventilation is Key
Keeping rooms well-ventilated is key during summer months. This utilizes natural breeze and prevents moisture from building up due to humidity.
If your state has cooler periods on the day (we’re not looking at your Arizona), like early morning and evening, keep your windows open. If possible, open windows that are opposite each other.
This gives a nice cross breeze, which allows air to flow with ease. This breeze, in combination with fans, can be a great way to keep temperatures down.
Smart and Shaded
Another great way to reduce AC usage is to keep your home shaded.
This can be as simple as closing any blinds and curtains you have during hottest part of the day. This is key in rooms with direct sunlight. You can also avoid these rooms during the afternoon, moving to cooler areas of your home.
If curtains don’t cut the heat, awnings on the exterior of the house may do the trick. Another simpler option may be sun screens on the exterior of each window. This is a great choice for windows with direct sunlight in harsh summer months.
A beautiful long-term solution is growing trees or shrubbery to create shade. Not only is this practical, but it adds to the visual value of your home as well.
Trees with wide branches coverage and dense foliage are ideal. There are several species that are fast growing, so you don't have to wait years and years for this to work. Check out your local nursery to see what thrives in your area.
Think About Insulation
It is worth investing in quality insulation. Good insulation is vital in maintaining a room’s temperature, no matter the season. It will also slash your average AC bill and increase your property's value.
Focus on walls and roofs as the main points of insulation. Attics are often poorly insulated, allowing the heat to seep in as the sun shines down on the roof. There are different types of insulation to choose from. So even if a full refit isn't an option, you can find something to match your skills and budget.
Don't forget that efficient windows and doors are your first line of defense against summer heat. Consider installing double-glazed windows to maintain the temperature. If that's not an option, you can get glass coatings that help reflect light and heat.
Try and seal any small air leaks or gaps around the house. They may seem small, but they make a big difference in efficiency. This stops air exchange from the outside to the inside, preventing the heat from creeping in.
If you aren't sure how to do the insulation yourself, you can hire a professional instead. They will be able to tell you the best course of action when it comes to building work or repairs.
Be Clever with Home Decor
Many people don't consider how furniture and paint colors can affect temperature. A few small changes to your interior design can have a huge impact.
Here are a few suggestions to make your decor ice-cold!
Use Light Colors
Light colors for your walls and soft furnishings are a must during summer. Not only is it eye-catching and fresh, but it is also practical. Light colors reflect sunlight, so the heat doesn't get trapped in the walls and floors.
Choose Cooling Fabrics
Choosing breathable, natural materials for furnishings also helps keep you cool. If it works for clothing, then it can work in your home too. Fabrics like cotton, bamboo, and linen are known for their cooling effects. They are also durable and manage moisture well.
Furniture and Air Flow
Large pieces of furniture can block the flow of air through a room. Take the time to move furniture around and try out different configurations. You'll be able to see and feel which set ups allow for the best airflow and are the most practical. You can also find the best place for a fan, or two!
Beat Extra Heat
There are several things that can generate a lot of extra heat in your home. Consider which appliances put off the most heat while in use. Items such as washing machines and dishwashers generate heat while running. If they’re use can’t be avoided, aim to use them during the cooler parts of the day.
Cooking, in general, can create a lot of heat, especially during summer months. Focus on keeping your kitchen area as well-ventilated as possible. This will help dissipate any excess heat and smell created. If you have the option, try outdoor cooking instead.
BBQs or outdoor pizza ovens are great because the wind will act as a natural way to spread the heat out. Then heat isn't trapped inside, increasing the temperature for hours afterward.
Invest in Cooling Technology
All the tips above are great for keeping your home cool. But nothing compares to air conditioning. There are several ways that you can help make the most out of your AC unit without breaking the bank.
Watch the Clock
Most units come with a timer function. This can be useful if you want the house to be cool when you get home from work or while you're sleeping. It will automatically switch on and off, so you don't need to worry about forgetting.
Call a Professional Today
At Parker & Sons we've been helping homeowners with repairs and installations for almost 50 years. If you are looking for friendly, high-quality customer service and craftsmanship, get in touch with us to schedule an appointment today.
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