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Now that we're in the heat of the summer, it's time to really analyze how we're going to survive the Tennessee summer. Our Quality Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical team put together a game plan for you to stay cool all summer long.
How Can I Keep My House Cool in the Summer?
Ceiling Fans
This may not come as a surprise, but ceiling fans actually play a big part in keeping your home cool. But how? Well, the direction of which way the blades are moving (summer is counterclockwise) determines the air that is pushed down toward you, causing that cool breeze you feel.
But air conditioners are not rendered useless. Using your ceiling fan in conjunction with your AC unit optimizes the cooling effects. Fans just move the air around the room, not necessarily cooling people, whereas air conditioners are set to a specific temperature to do both.
Air Conditioner
If you want to optimize your air conditioner to cool your home to its potential, here are some steps you can take:
Replace your filters
It's recommended that you replace your air filters every 2-3 months. When your filter gets dirty, it becomes inefficient to keep out dust and debris from infiltrating your home. Take into consideration how many people live in your home and check your air filter regularly. It may need to be changed more frequently.
Clean/Seal Ductwork
Making sure your ductwork is taken care of is crucial to your air conditioner's efficiency. As you run your air conditioner, all of the air is stirring up any and all pollutants. Ideally, you should clean your ductwork every 3-5 years. Additionally, cleaning your ductwork ensures that your air conditioner's airflow doesn't slow down, keeping your home cooler and thus, preventing a breakdown.
Your ductwork could also have leaks, which lets the cool air out and doesn't deliver it to your home. To seal your ductwork DIY style, you can use a duct sealant (a pasty, paint-like substance) or HVAC tape. After that, it's recommended to get a professional to check it out.
Thermostat
With thermostat wars constantly going on in your house, it's easier said than done to stay away. With that being said, it may be best to invest in a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats give you the liberty to plan your household temperatures in advance, which is perfect when it comes to wanting the house to be set at a specific temperature before you come home from work or an outing. Your thermostat will also adjust its settings to keep your home at a cool temperature.
Quick tip: set your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit to save on cooling expenses.
Additional Tricks and Tips
Beyond the aforementioned, there are also some tips and tricks to utilize to keep your home cool:
Keep your blinds closed - this may sound weird to do in the summer, but when direct sunlight is hitting the windows in your home, keeping your blinds closed can make sure that the hot air isn't projecting into your rooms.
Limit the use of appliances - in the summer, try to use the barbecue as much as possible! The stovetop and oven add unnecessary heat to your home. Also, make sure that you're using full loads for the dishwasher and dryer, this eliminates hot air from entering your household as well.
Open the windows at night - Since the outdoor temperature tends to cool off at night, consider turning off your air conditioner and opening the windows. This also saves you on energy costs!