Anything you can do to keep your home a little bit cooler on extremely hot days will mean your air conditioning system does not need to be running as long for each cooling cycle; which will save you money on cooling costs as well as conserve energy. Here are some tips to cool your home a little better during a “heat wave”
1. Set the thermostat higher
In extreme temperatures it’s best not to turn “up” the AC because it puts your AC unit in an uphill fight trying to cool down your home. Set your thermostat on 75-78 degrees (or higher) and learn to live with a little heat.
2. Turn the fan switch to the “on” position
Turning your fan switch to the “on” position instead of leaving it on “auto” will help circulate the air in your home and also help rooms that are too hot or cool.
3. Keep blinds and shades closed on extremely hot days
As much as 20 percent of summer heat enters your home as sunlight shining through windows. Keeping the shades closed on the sunny side of the house will assist in cooling the home on extremely hot days.
4. Close off unused rooms to conserve energy
If your entire home is not being occupied at the moment, take a few minutes and close the air vents inside the unused rooms or bathrooms. The doors should also be closed to these rooms to conserve energy and force the cool air to stay in the occupied areas of your home. This technique can sometimes lower the ambient temperature of your home a few degrees (or more).
5. Consider using fans to keep you cool
A fan will make a room feel 4 to 6 degrees cooler. Also, a fan works well in tandem with an air conditioner because the dehumidifying action of the air conditioner provides drier air that the fan can then move around.
6. Don’t use appliances on extremely hot days
Did someone say “let’s go out to dinner”? An oven baking cookies can easily raise the room temperature 10 degrees, which in turn raises overall cooling costs 2 to 5 percent. Save cooking (especially baking) for cooler hours, or cook outdoors on your grill. It is also a good idea to run the dishwasher and clothes dryer at night.
Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate (636)936-8600
Published on 2023-07-24 15:48:11
