Smith & Keene, featured on WVEC 13News Now as your local HVAC experts, brings you the best home cooling tips to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills low during the hottest days in Hampton Roads. With temperatures soaring, these practical tips will help you maintain a comfortable indoor environment and lower your energy bill, even on the hottest days.
Home Cooling Tip #1
Draw Your Blinds
Your home gains extra heat when the sun’s rays enter through your windows. Reducing the amount of heat that can elevate your home’s indoor temperature by drawing your blinds or shades down during the day is a simple yet effective strategy. For optimal results, ensure your blinds are light-blocking window treatments to best block sunlight.
Additional Tips:
- Consider using reflective window films to further reduce heat gain.
- Planting trees or installing awnings can also provide additional shade.
Home Cooling Tip #2
Check Your Insulation
The insulation in your home’s attic or crawl space serves to keep cold air inside the home in the summer and warm air in the winter. For optimum results, your insulation should be twelve to fourteen inches. Insufficient insulation can lead to significant energy loss, making your HVAC system work harder.
Additional Tips:
- Schedule a professional insulation inspection to ensure your home is adequately insulated.
- Consider upgrading to energy-efficient insulation materials.
Home Cooling Tip #3
Check Your Thermostat
Most homes have thermostats default to “auto” in the summer. Depending on the type of thermostat you have, and the layout of your home, switching to “fan” may be best for intensely hot days. The fan setting on thermostats serves to better circulate the air in your home, helping to minimize hot spots.
Additional Tips:
- Invest in a programmable or smart thermostat to better manage your home’s temperature.
- Utilize thermostat zoning if you have multiple floors or large areas to cool.
- Consider installing a mini-split system. Mini-splits offer zoned cooling, allowing you to control the temperature in specific areas of your home without relying solely on a central HVAC system.
Home Cooling Tip #4
Changing Your Air Filters
Ensuring your home’s air filters are free of dust and debris will help your system to run more efficiently. If your air filters become clogged with dust and dirt, the airflow of your HVAC is forced to run harder. An HVAC that is overworked is less energy efficient (increase in utility bills).
Additional Tips:
- Change your air filters every two to three months, or more frequently if you have pets or allergy sufferers in the home.
- Consider using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters for better air quality.
Home Cooling Tip #5
Service Your HVAC Twice A Year
It is critical that your HVAC system be serviced twice a year. Once before the summer season starts and once before the start of winter. Servicing your system can identify potential repair problems before they become huge repair problems, ensuring your system runs efficiently.
Additional Tips:
- Regular maintenance includes cleaning evaporator coils, checking refrigerant levels, and inspecting ductwork.
- Sign up for Smith & Keene’s Signature Service Plan for hassle-free maintenance.
Home Cooling Frequently Asked Questions
My AC is struggling. What are some ways to cool my home?
If your AC is struggling, draw your blinds during the day, check your insulation and thermostat settings, and change your air filters regularly. Additionally, consider installing a mini-split system for zoned cooling and schedule bi-annual HVAC maintenance to keep your system running efficiently.
How can I reduce my energy bills during the summer?
To reduce your energy bills, use energy-efficient cooling methods like drawing blinds, using ceiling fans, installing programmable thermostats, and ensuring your home is well-insulated.
What temperature should I set my thermostat to in the summer?
It might sound a little uncomfortable, but by setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and higher when you’re away, you can maximize energy efficiency.
Many programmable thermostats can track your location to determine when you’re away from home and automatically raise the temperature to be more energy efficient. Learn more about the benefits of programmable thermostats.
What are the benefits of using ceiling fans?
Ceiling fans improve air circulation, allowing you to feel cooler without lowering the thermostat, which can save energy and reduce cooling costs.
Additionally, installing a whole-home dehumidifier can reduce the humidity in your home, making your home feel cooler. This is especially beneficial in the humid area we live in.
Call The Experts
If your HVAC system is not running as it should, or if you know a repair or replacement is on the horizon, contact the expert HVAC repair and installation team at Smith & Keene.
If you are interested in the maintenance of your HVAC system, consider Smith & Keene’s Signature Service Plan.
Smith & Keene is your go-to team to help you with your home’s heating and cooling, plumbing, and electrical needs. Contact Smith & Keene to schedule a free consultation to install your new HVAC system.
