Now that many of us are spending more time at home than in the past, we’re also relying more on our HVAC systems. If you’ve noticed an increase in your utility costs and feel worried about them climbing even higher this summer, don’t sweat it! Here are four simple adjustments that you can do to make your cooling costs more manageable.
1. Install heat-blocking window treatments.
Energy-efficient window treatments are an absolute must during the summer, and they’re a relatively low-cost home improvement. What’s even better is that there is a wide variety to suit almost any taste:
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Insulated cellular shades
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Roman shades
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Thermal curtains
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Horizontal slat blinds
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Window films
These types of window attachments reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your home and becomes heat.
2. Make sure your air conditioner gets a professional tune-up.
Air conditioners go through a lot of use every summer, which can lead to loose components, lack of lubrication, and a lot of dust build-up. These are small issues that, if neglected, eventually turn into more significant problems that put air conditioners at higher risk of breaking down. Annual maintenance is the best wait to prevent a system failure, and what’s more, it helps your AC cool your home more effectively and efficiently, which saves you money in the long run.
3. Use floor and ceiling fans.
Fans don’t actually remove heat from the air the way an air conditioner does, but the wind-chill effect they provide can make a world of difference when it comes to lowering your body temperature. To produce this effect correctly, your ceiling fan needs to rotate counterclockwise as you look up at it.
4. Avoid activities that make your home hotter during the day.
Certain appliances add more heat to your home than you might realize. While your stove and oven might come to mind right away, your dishwasher and clothes dryer can also make your house hotter. If possible, avoid using these appliances until the hottest part of the day has passed. Also, make sure to use your bathroom’s exhaust fan during and after bathing and showering to clear out the humidity those activities create.
At Premier Indoor Comfort Systems, LLC, our friendly technicians have the training and experience to meet all of your AC needs, from air conditioner maintenance and repairs to brand new air conditioner installations. Give us a call today at (770) 268-2422 to schedule an appointment!