Tips to Keep Your Home Cool in the Summer

As the temperatures rise during the summer months, trying to keep your home cool and comfortable becomes a top priority. High indoor temperatures not only affect your comfort but can also lead to increased energy bills as your air conditioning works harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. 

Fortunately, there are several simple and effective strategies you can implement to beat the heat and keep your home cool throughout the summer. 

In this blog, we’ll explore some practical tips from our team at Trust Heating and Air to help you stay cool and save energy during the hottest months of the year!

1. Use Your Ceiling Fans Wisely

Ceiling fans are a cost-effective way to increase comfort and airflow in your home during the summer. To maximize their effectiveness, make sure your ceiling fans are rotating counterclockwise, which creates a downdraft that helps cool the room. 

Additionally, turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room to save energy.

2. Keep Your Curtains and Blinds Closed

Direct sunlight streaming through windows can significantly increase the temperature inside your home. Keep your curtains and blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day to block out the sun’s heat and prevent it from warming up your living spaces. Consider investing in blackout curtains or shades for maximum heat reduction.

3. Use Programmable Thermostats

A programmable thermostat allows you to set specific temperature levels for different times of the day, helping you save energy and stay comfortable. 

During the summer, program your thermostat to increase the temperature when you’re away from home and lower it when you’re there to maximize energy savings without sacrificing comfort.

4. Seal and Insulate Your Home

Proper insulation and sealing can prevent cool air from escaping your home and hot air from entering, making your air conditioning more efficient. Check for gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and other openings, and use weatherstripping or caulk to seal them. 

Consider adding insulation to your attic and walls to further improve energy efficiency.

5. Use Exhaust Fans

Exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom help remove heat and humidity generated by cooking, showering, and other activities. Turn on exhaust fans when cooking or showering to quickly remove hot air and reduce the workload on your air conditioning system.

6. Optimize Airflow

Improving airflow throughout your home can help distribute cool air more effectively and reduce the workload on your air conditioning system. Keep interior doors open to allow air to circulate freely, and use portable fans to move air from one room to another if necessary.

7. Utilize Cool Air at Night

Take advantage of cooler nighttime temperatures by opening windows and using fans to bring in fresh air and cool your home naturally. This can help lower indoor temperatures and reduce the need for air conditioning during the night, saving energy and money.

8. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

Appliances such as computers, televisions, and lighting fixtures generate heat when in use. To minimize heat buildup in your home, choose energy-efficient appliances and turn them off when not in use. 

Consider using LED or CFL light bulbs, which produce less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs.

9. Consider Strategic Landscaping

Strategically planting trees and shrubs around your home can provide natural shade and help reduce the amount of heat that enters your home through windows and walls. Plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home to block the sun’s rays during the summer while allowing sunlight to filter through during the winter.

10. Maintain Your Air Conditioning System

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your air conditioning system running efficiently and effectively, especially during the hot summer months. Here are some key maintenance tasks to keep your AC in top condition:

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Regular professional maintenance from Trust Heating and Air ensures that your air conditioning system is:

• Clean
• Properly lubricated
• Operating at peak performance

Professional technicians have the expertise and tools to identify and address any issues before they escalate, preventing breakdowns and extending the lifespan of your AC unit.

Clean or Replace Air Filters

Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, reducing the efficiency of your air conditioning system and compromising indoor air quality. Check your air filters regularly and clean or replace them as needed, typically every 1-3 months. This simple task can:

• Improve airflow
• Reduce energy consumption
• Prolong the life of your AC unit

Check and Clean the Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on the evaporator and condenser coils, hindering heat transfer and reducing the efficiency of your air conditioner. 

Schedule professional maintenance to have these coils inspected and cleaned as needed. Clean coils help your AC system operate more efficiently, saving energy and reducing wear and tear.

Inspect and Clean Drainage System

The drainage system of your air conditioning unit removes excess moisture from the air. Over time, algae, mold, and debris can clog the drainage lines, leading to water leaks and potential water damage. During maintenance visits, technicians will inspect and clean the drainage system to ensure proper functioning and prevent water-related issues.

Check Refrigerant Levels

Low refrigerant levels can cause your air conditioning system to work harder and less efficiently, leading to higher energy bills and potential damage to the compressor. During maintenance visits, technicians will check refrigerant levels and recharge the system if necessary to ensure optimal performance.

Inspect and Tighten Electrical Connections

Loose or corroded electrical connections can lead to system malfunctions, reduced efficiency, and even electrical hazards. During maintenance visits, technicians will inspect and tighten electrical connections, ensuring that your air conditioning system operates safely and reliably.

Test Thermostat Operation

A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your air conditioning system to run inconsistently or not at all. During maintenance visits, technicians will test the thermostat operation and calibrate it if necessary to ensure accurate temperature control and optimal comfort.

Address Any Repairs Promptly

If you notice any unusual noises, odors, or performance issues with your air conditioning system, don’t hesitate to contact Trust Heating and Air for prompt repairs. Ignoring minor issues can lead to more extensive damage and costly repairs down the line. Our team of experienced technicians is here to diagnose and resolve any issues quickly and efficiently.

Consider a Maintenance Plan

To ensure ongoing maintenance of your air conditioning system, consider signing up for a maintenance plan with Trust Heating and Air. Our maintenance plans provide regular inspections, cleaning, and tune-ups to keep your AC running smoothly year-round, while also offering priority service and discounts on repairs.

So, What is the Ideal Home Temperature? 

The ideal temperature setting for your air conditioner in the summer depends on personal preference, comfort needs, and energy efficiency goals. However, a recommended starting point is typically around 78°F (25-26°C) when you’re at home and need cooling. Here are some factors to consider when setting your air conditioner temperature:

• Your ideal comfort level
• The energy efficiency of your HVAC
• How humid your house gets
• The option for nighttime cooling
• If you have programmable thermostats
• Your system’s zoning
• If you have ceiling fans
• Health considerations
• The outdoor temperature
• How often your HVAC runs

Ultimately, the best temperature setting for your air conditioner is one that balances comfort, energy efficiency, and personal preferences. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you, and don’t hesitate to adjust as needed to maintain a comfortable indoor environment while minimizing energy usage.

Keep Your Home Cool in the Summer Heat

Trying to keep your home cool during the summer doesn’t have to be a challenge. By implementing these tips from Trust Heating and Air, you can stay comfortable while also saving energy and money on your cooling bills. 

From using ceiling fans and closing curtains to maintaining your air conditioning system and optimizing airflow, there are plenty of simple and effective strategies to help you beat the heat and enjoy a cool, comfortable home all summer long.

If you need a trusted team to perform air conditioning maintenance, reach out to Trust Heating and Air! We offer preventative HVAC maintenance to help keep your home cool in the summer!