While the scent of SPF 30 may be drifting away, the summer heat still lingers on. And when it’s hot and humid outside, that same sticky weather can seep into your home — not the most comfortable feeling, right?
Although the heat may seem inescapable, there are ways to defeat it. So whether you’ve already put your window units away for the season or are simply trying to keep your utility costs low, here’s how you can keep your home cool and comfortable:
1. Keep Your Blinds Closed
Ah, the greenhouse effect — when heat and sunlight enter your home through the windows, but cannot escape. How do you avoid this dilemma? By keeping your blinds closed during the day! Doing so can quickly lower the temperature in your home.
Pro tip: To be even more efficient, consider some light-colored blinds or window treatments that reflect rather than absorb the sun’s heat.
2. Consider Which Appliances You’re Using
Washers, dryers, ovens, and stoves tend to give off a lot of heat. Take this into consideration before using them this season. Aim to do laundry after the sun has set or the temperature has dropped. Also, make sure to clean your dryer vent regularly for a quicker cycle.
Pro tip: Try and utilize your outdoor grill more! Sure you may be hot outside while cooking your food, but at least your home won’t be a sauna.
3. Make Sure Your AC Unit Is the Right Size
Bigger isn’t always better! Oversized air conditioning systems can cycle off quickly which doesn’t adequately cool your home. Undersized units can also cause problems since they’re continually operating to try and keep the temperatures low. Before selecting a unit, keep the size of your home, the layout of your space, how much shade is on your house, and your lifestyle preferences in mind.
Pro tip: If you’re not sure where to begin, contact one of the AC experts at Essig Plumbing & Heating. We will assist you in finding an AC unit that meets the needs of your home while also taking into consideration your budget.
4. Change Your AC Filters
Dirty filters not only reduce air quality but the efficiency of airflow. That’s why it’s best to change your filter every month or two, especially during months of heaviest usage or if you have pets.
Pro tip: Changing your air filter is an easy task, so keep a few on hand for convenience sake. Now there’s no excuse not to change out dirty filters regularly.
5. Rotate Your Ceiling Fans Counterclockwise
That’s right, doing so helps push cool air back down to the floor. This downdraft creates a wind chill effect which can make a room feel up to 8 degrees cooler!
Pro tip: On really hot days, increase the fan speed. When the temps start to cool off, switch your fan to rotate clockwise to redistribute warm air and make a room feel more comfortable.
6. Replace Incandescent Lights
Incandescent lights may produce a nice, soft yellow glow, but they also give off a lot of heat. Consider replacing these lights with compact fluorescents to save on energy use without sacrificing the amount of light.
When you need AC repairs or installation, you need Essig Plumbing & Heating in your corner. As a trusted name for AC repairs, plumbing, and heating in Reading, Berks County, Lehigh County, and the surrounding areas, our expert technicians are on a daily mission to handle every service call effectively and efficiently. Contact us today at (610) 557-3302!
