Keeping the House Cool in the Summer

Before you know it, the summer will be here. And if you live in Georgia, you know the heat is coming and won’t leave for quite a while. Also, you know how much your AC runs in the summer months. Keeping your home cool in the summer is essential to you and your family.

TRUST Heating and Air knows the extreme pressure placed on our Georgia air conditioning systems. The demand for AC units in the summer can really take a toll on your HVAC system. So, we have gathered some helpful information on how you can keep your house cool throughout the summer months.

If you need immediate AC repair, contact us at TRUST Heating and Air to schedule an appointment. We don’t want you to suffer the heat in the Georgia summer months. We will be right out to get your AC up and running in no time.

Maintenance First to Keep Cool in the Summer

The first step to keeping your HVAC working well and efficiently is to ensure you are on a preventative maintenance plan with your local HVAC company. These plans are custom, with your system in mind and the seasonal changes it will need adjusting. Maintaining your HVAC will help ensure it runs for as long as possible.

When we come out to perform the preventative maintenance on your system, here are the things we will do. We will check all the systems and lines to ensure they are working correctly. Then your tech will check levels of clean the unit top to bottom. With two annual visits, minimum, your home will be able to handle the changes from Winter to Spring and from Summer to Fall.

Here are the benefits of enrolling in a plan with Trust Heating and AC.

  1. The technician will identify broken or worn parts in need of repair or replacement before they get worse.
  2. They will optimize the performance of your unit.
  3. As an energy-efficient company, the tech will be sure your system is as energy-efficient as possible.
  4. The indoor air quality will improve with clean filters and ductwork.
  5. Ductwork will undergo thorough inspection regularly, which can be a significant expense if damaged.
  6. The life of your unit will be extended with proper care.

Ensure you are on a maintenance plan to avoid costly repairs at inopportune times.

Things You Can Do to Keep the House Cool in the Summer

Keeping your house cool is essential; we know that. But there are some things you can do to help keep the cool air in and the heat out. Also, there are tasks you can perform to help enhance the efficiency of your HVAC unit. Here Is what we mean.

Keeping Cool Air In

If your AC is having a difficult time keeping up, the cool air could be escaping. There are a few things you can try before calling out your professional HVAC technician. What’s more, there are several small things you can try that may seem simple but make a big difference in the temperature of your home.

The Home’s 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 the day, and in rooms that face west or south”, says NBC News.

Set Your Thermostat

Chances are, there are times of the day when you are still hot in the house even though the AC is running. That afternoon sun builds up heat in the home, but it will cool when the sun goes down. Setting your thermostat to adjust to those hours will ensure you do not freeze the unit in the evening.

Also, 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 return home.

cool in summer

Use Your 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. Place a fan in the area you dress and 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. That is also an important component in reducing the humidity levels in your home.

Electronics and Appliances

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

Shut the Doors

Another obvious tip is to keep the doors of the home closed at all times. Avoid holding the door open for any length of time. Also, close off any rooms that you are not using by shutting the doors during the hottest part of the day. And don’t forget to check the weather stripping on the doors.

Selfcare

One thing we tend to forget about is ourselves. Keeping your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water will help you regulate your own temperature. Then you can make choices to hang out in the basement during the hottest points of the day. Hot air rises, so the basement will be cooler.

Take time to enjoy the outdoors and have a fun family night by the grill. Not only is it an excellent way to spend time and embrace the heat, but it will keep your home cooler too. You see, the cooktop and oven generate a considerable amount of heat that gets trapped in the house.

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

Enhancing the Efficiency of Your HVAC unit.

Now let’s take a look at some DIY projects you can do to keep that HVAC system running smoothly, all year long, and in between maintenance calls.

The 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 ensure the entire unit is drenched. This will give you a couple of extra degrees of cooling on your AC inside.

HVAC Filters

Make sure you check all your home filters and keep them clean or replaced to make the air conditioner do a better job of airflow. The recommended time between replacement is listed on the outside of the filter. Check to see if it is a three-month or a monthly replacement filter and follow the instructions.

Your Home’s Thermostat

Did you know you can turn your thermostat down low overnight? Keeping your home cooler at night will help reduce the overall temperature of the walls and floors. This allows the system to operate and cool better during the heat of the next day. While the system will run more efficiently after dark when the outside temperature is in the 70’s, this method will also drive up your energy bill. So make sure you proceed with fiscal caution.

The 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 well-deserved break during the worst months.

House 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. You sure don’t want that heat from the roof getting into your house. Insulation is there to help your HVAC system run more efficiently.

Asking for Help with Keeping Your House Cool in the Summer

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 your needs, even in the hottest summer months. 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.