How to Keep Your Home Cool in Extreme Heat Outdoors

Tis the season. The heat is upon us. Watch the Weather Channel and you’ll see extremely warm temperatures across the United States but especially the East Coast and in Georgia.

The extreme heat puts more of a demand on your air conditioner and it can take its toll on the HVAC unit, leaving you with a worn down or broken system before the end of summer.

Here are some suggestions on how to keep it cool inside and make your HVAC system run smoothly and work more efficiently.

Windows

Start by closing your window treatments during the day when the sun is out. “It sounds basic, but if the sun comes in through your windows it’s going to make your house warm. Using things like window coverings to their full advantage in the middle of the day can keep your house cooler by keeping that sunlight from coming in, particularly if you are gone during day, and in rooms that face west or south”, says NBC News.

HVAC Unit

When the unit can’t keep up due to the heat, take a garden hose and cool the unit down several times a day. The evaporating water will help it cool. You can also turn on a sprinkler near your outdoor unit to be sure the entire unit is drenched. This will give you a couple extra degrees of cool on your AC inside.

HVAC Filters

Make sure you check all of your home filters and keep them clean or replaced to make the air conditioner be able to do a better job of air flow.

Thermostat

If you are not home during the day, turn your thermostat up a few degrees so it isn’t running so hard and you save some dollars on your electric bill. 76 to 78 degrees is a good average so you do not overwork the unit when you come back home.

Turn your thermostat down low overnight. By keeping your home cooler at night, you will help reduce the overall temperature of the walls and floors, allowing the system to operate and cool better during the heat of the next day. While the system will operate more efficiently after dark when the outside temperature is in the 70’s, this method will also drive up your energy bill.

Fans

Ceiling Fans – Turn your ceiling fans in a counterclockwise direction. By doing this, you will create a literal wind-chill effect that should allow you to set your thermostat about 4 degrees higher than usual — and you won’t feel one bit warmer.

Fans – For the same reason, place floor and table fans in strategic places to cool down the kitchen while you’re cooking.

Exhaust Fans – Use your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to force heat and humidity to dissipate quickly.

HVAC Fan – In the evening while temperatures are dropping turn on your whole-house fan to bring cooler air into your home. This will give your air conditioner a break.

Electronics / Appliances

Electronics can generate heat even when sitting idle or when turned off. So, unplug your devices from the walls when not using. Run your appliances (dishwasher, washing machine or dryer) during the evening so they don’t heat up the house during the day.

Hydrated

Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Basement

Hang out in the basement to cool down. Typically, hot air rises so you will find a little relief there.

Insulation

Have you had your insulation checked lately? Proper insulation in your attic and exterior walls can make all the difference in keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It is there to help your HVAC system run more efficiently.

Outdoor Cooking

Fire up that outdoor grill or eat out to prevent you from using the cooktop and oven which can generate a huge amount of heat that gets trapped in the house.

Doors

Close off rooms that you are not using by shutting the doors during the hottest part of the day. 

If you home isn’t staying cool, call a professional local HVAC company to come check out your system?

Contact Us

Our customers have called TRUST Heating & Air one of the highest rated repair & service companies in the Loganville, Walton & Gwinnett counties. We respond quickly to all of your needs. Call TRUST Heating & Air to find out why our customers call us one of the best in Walton County.

Contact the pros at TRUST Heating & Air to discuss savings tips and free estimates.