Staying cool during summer isn’t always easy, especially in Southern California. While our more renowned coastal areas may see moderately cool and beautiful temperatures throughout much of the warmest season of the year, the Inland Empire can see temperatures that soar into triple digits. For those who live in the area, that means a constant annual battle to keep their homes and businesses cool. Running your air conditioner almost constantly will certainly do that, but at a tremendous cost: literally. California is burdened by some of the highest energy costs anywhere in the country, and air conditioning systems are by far the biggest energy consumer of any average home.
As a homeowner, you might be wondering what you can do to help you and your loved ones stay cooler this summer, but likewise you’re probably also wondering if you can do anything that doesn’t involve dramatically increasing what will already be an extremely high energy bill. This blog has some answers that might interest you: here are eight easy to follow tips for using less energy this summer.
Open Doors & Windows at Night
During the day, temperatures may soar to triple-digits. However, at night, those temperatures may plunge back down to as low as the 70s. When this is the case, stop using your air conditioner to cool your home and simply open your doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate throughout your home. The air outside might be the same or even close to the same temperature as the air inside, allowing you to shut off your AC and save energy!
Seal Gaps Around Doors & Windows
A large amount of unwanted heat can find its way into your home through gaps around doors and windows. Weather stripping, caulking seals, and other barriers can all fall apart over time and will need to be replaced every year. Take a few minutes to check the seals around your doors and windows and make a note of what ones need to be replaced. You’ll be shocked how much this helps your home stay cool.
Install Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can help a space feel cooler and more comfortable even if the temperature isn’t as high. Air that is moving feels cooler thanks to the principle of evaporative cooling, so using a ceiling fan to keep a constant cycle of air going in a room means you can set your thermostat higher and still feel comfortable.
Use a Dehumidifier
Do you struggle with high quantities of indoor humidity? Our climate might be fairly dry, but that doesn’t mean you won’t struggle with high levels of humidity, particularly if your home has a plumbing leak or other sources of water that need to be addressed. Fixing these issues is one thing, but continual issues can usually be addressed by a dehumidifier system that dries the air, helping you feel cooler.
Close Blinds & Shades During Peak Heat Hours
If you have old single-pane windows, you’re allowing a lot of heat into your home through the windows themselves. Replacing your windows is a huge investment, so if you’re looking to save money, simply close your blinds or curtains during the hottest hours of the day, particularly for windows in direct sunlight. This will help keep some of that unwanted heat out and keep your home cooler.
Turn Off Unused Electronics
You’d be shocked just how much heat something as simple as a desktop computer can generate. Even though it may seem like a little thing in a much larger space, the heat they put off can make almost any space feel warmer after an hour or two. If you aren’t using your TV, computer, or a different electronic device, shut it off rather than putting it to sleep.
Look for Gaps in Ceilings
Heat naturally rises, so gaps around things like recessed light fixtures or ceiling fan receptacles are high-traffic areas for heat transfer. Look for any uninsulated features like this and try to fill them with proper insulation. Doing so could make a huge difference in how cool and comfortable your home feels.
Have Your Air Conditioner Tuned Up
A tune-up service for your air conditioner is exactly like a tune-up for your car: it improves performance and efficiency. If you want your car to get the best mileage it can out of the gas you put into it, a tune-up for your air conditioner will help it produce the most cold air with the electricity it uses. That means shorter cycles, better efficiency, and greater savings all summer long!
Do you need your air conditioner serviced? Schedule your repair or a tune-up by calling All Pro Plumbing Heating Air & Electrical at (909) 500-8193 today!