Pshew, it’s hot outside! Oh, but it’s so nice to know you can step into a cool, comfortable, air conditioned home whenever you feel the need for relief. Of course, that comfort comes at a price, and high summer energy demands can mean that price is suddenly at a premium. Here at First Class Plumbing & HVAC, we want to be armed with the information you need to help keep your home’s summer cooling expenses under control.
Window Watcher
- Check your windows for leaky seals and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks .
- Close the blinds, curtains or drapes, especially at east and west-facing windows during sunniest hours.
- Installing solar screens on east and west-facing windows can block up to 70% of the heat.
- Reflective blinds, dual shades, and drapes with heat-reflective backings also help beat the heat very effectively.
- Is a long-term solution, but tall trees (15’ to 20’) strategically placed on the west and southwest sides of your home will provide shade to help keep your home cool.
Make Your Thermostat Work for You
- Knowing how to operate your thermostat for maximum energy savings is key.
- Do not set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner, as it won’t cool your home any faster and can result in higher bills.
- How high can you comfortably set your thermostat in the summer? 78°F is a good goal.
- The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
- Use a programmable thermostat to keep your house warmer when you are away and cooler only when you are home and need cooling.
- Keep lamps, televisions, and other appliances that emit heat while in operation away from the AC thermostat, as the thermostat may sense this heat and cause the AC to run longer than necessary.
- Keep your air conditioner’s fan set to “auto” continually to remove the humidity in your air. Setting it to “run” or “on” allows the humidity to re-enter the house by evaporating off the coils in the air stream.
Turn Down the Heat in Your Water
Setting your water heater to a warm setting (vs. piping hot) of about 120°F can make a dramatic difference, as water heating can account for 14% to 25% of the energy consumed in your home.
Become a Fan of Fans
- Turning on ceiling fans in rooms you’re using will cause you to feel more comfortable setting the thermostat lower; fans create a wind chill effect causing us to feel more comfortable.
- Turn off ceiling fans as you leave the room.
- Use the bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity when showering or bathing.
- Ensure bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the outside, rather than just the attic.
Keep Interior Heat Buildup from Appliance Usage to a Minimum
- Avoid using the oven on hot days. We recommend cooking in microwave oven, grilling outside, or preparing something that doesn't require cooking at all.
- Strive to wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Air dry dishes and even clothing when possible.
- Take short showers instead of baths.
Make Regular AC Maintenance a Priority
- Be sure to check the air filter monthly and change as needed to ensure good airflow.
- Clear the outdoor unit of any yard debris and be watchful of additional buildup from lawn mowing and storms.
- Schedule professional AC checkup & maintenance at the beginning of each cooling season.
Looking for more ways to lower your home air conditioning costs? Contact First Class Plumbing & HVAC at (615) 227-3554. Our trained, knowledgeable, and professional staff can help you with all your needs, from air conditioning system maintenance, repair, and installation of new high efficiency air conditioning systems. Have a Middle Tenessee Plumbing or HVAC need? Call First Class Plumbing & HVAC today at (615) 227-3554.
