Summer 2018 is going to be a hot one, so why not make a cool decision now and prepare your home to beat the heat? Follow these steps to keep your home cool and your energy bill low.
Maintain your air conditioner
Make sure your air conditioner is ready to go before the heat rolls in. Regular maintenance keeps your A/C running smoothly and extends its lifespan. Clean the condensing unit, evaporator coil, condensate drain line, and replace the filter. If you notice the fins are bent and blocking airflow, fix them with a fin-straightening tool.
Check out our detailed steps on how to maintain your air conditioner.
Prep your windows
Are your windows properly sealed? Windows with air leaks let in hot air during the summer, causing your air conditioner to use more energy and run up your bill. Buy high-quality caulking material to fill in the gaps and seal those air leaks. After tackling your windows, seal any gaps you find around doors and the hatchway to the attic.
Learn more about weather stripping your windows
Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans
We all know that warm air rises, but did you know that if your ceiling fan isn’t spinning in the right direction, it’ll make your home even toastier? The direction in which your ceiling fan spins makes a huge difference in the room it’s located. In the summer, make sure your ceiling fan runs counter-clockwise so the breeze moves around the room. In the winter, set it to run clockwise to distribute heat.
Add blinds, curtains, and awnings
Few of us enjoy hanging out in our living room with a hot sun pouring through the window on a hot summer day. Nobody wants to sit in a dark home with the blinds shut, so what’s the solution? Fortunately, window treatments can cool your house down and reduce heat gain by up to 77%, according to Energy.Gov. Set up retractable awnings in light colors over your windows to reflect more sunlight. Curtains can reduce heat gain as well as long as they’re medium-color (not too dark, not too light) and are a closed fabric as opposed to open weave. Blinds are another easy fix that easily allow you to control the amount of light that comes through.
Update your attic’s insulation
During the warm summer months, our walls and floors feel like they get ten times hotter. Why? The sun’s energy hits your roof and travels into your attic, spreading heat throughout your home. By updating your attic’s insulation, it’ll retain cool air and minimize the amount of the heat that passes through. It’ll also keep your energy bills from skyrocketing. Sounds like a win-win situation.
Consider purchasing a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats not only save energy and lower your bills — they make your life more comfortable and more convenient. Imagine you’re on your way home from work on one of the hottest days of summer. Your smartphone is able to tell your thermostat that you’re only 10 minutes away and to start cooling down your home.