When the summer heat hits its peak, it’s tempting to crank your air conditioner and keep it running nonstop. But constantly blasting the AC can lead to soaring energy bills and unnecessary wear on your system.
Fortunately, there are plenty of simple and effective ways to keep your home cool and comfortable without relying solely on air conditioning. By combining smart habits and home improvements, you can stay refreshed all day long while saving energy and money.
Here are six easy ways to beat the heat without overusing your AC.
1. Use Blackout Curtains or Thermal Shades
Sunlight streaming through your windows can quickly raise indoor temperatures, turning your home into a heat trap. Blackout curtains or thermal shades block out sunlight and reduce heat gain, keeping rooms cooler naturally.
Close curtains on windows that face direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day—especially south- and west-facing windows. These window treatments are a cost-effective way to reduce cooling demand and protect your furniture from sun damage. Plus, they help maintain a more consistent indoor temperature.
2. Set Your Thermostat Wisely
Setting your thermostat to an excessively low temperature might feel good initially, but it causes your AC to run longer, increasing energy consumption without cooling your home any faster. Experts recommend setting your thermostat to around 78°F when you’re home and need cooling.
When you’re away or sleeping, raise the thermostat a few degrees. A programmable or smart thermostat can automate these adjustments based on your schedule, maximizing comfort and efficiency.
3. Use Ceiling Fans to Boost Air Circulation
Ceiling fans don’t actually lower the temperature, but they create a cooling breeze that makes you feel cooler by speeding up evaporation of sweat from your skin. Using fans in occupied rooms allows you to raise your thermostat setting by about 4° without sacrificing comfort.
Remember to turn fans off when leaving a room, since fans cool people, not empty spaces, and running them unnecessarily wastes energy.
4. Keep Doors and Windows Closed During Peak Heat
Open windows and doors let in hot air, making your AC work harder to cool your home. Keep them closed during the hottest hours of the day, usually mid-morning through late afternoon.
In the cooler mornings or evenings, you can open windows to let in fresh air and create cross-ventilation, but seal things up before the temperature rises.
5. Minimize Heat-Producing Activities
Your stove, oven, dishwasher, and dryer generate heat that can raise indoor temperatures. Try to use these appliances during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening. When cooking, use a microwave or grill outside if possible.
6. Optimize Your Home’s Insulation
Good insulation isn’t just for winter. It helps keep cool air inside during summer too. Proper insulation in your attic, walls, and floors prevents outdoor heat from seeping in and your cooled air from escaping. Sealing air leaks around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulking also improves your home’s energy efficiency and cooling performance.
Schedule an appointment for HVAC services in Gillette, WY with the team at Climate Solutions, Inc. The trusted source for all your heating and cooling needs.