After a long, cold winter, summer's here at last. But summer cooling can be almost as costly as winter heating. Here are some tips to keep your home - and your family - cool and comfortable throughout summer's hottest days. You'll feel better, and your cooling costs will drop, too.
- Air Conditioning SystemHave your central air conditioning system serviced before the cooling season begins. Leaking ducts and joints, low refrigerant, worn parts, and dirty air filters can jack up energy use, so make sure every aspect of your system is in top operating condition.
- Keep it ClearClear all brush and debris from around the unit so air can circulate - if the motor doesn't have to labor, it will use less energy.
- Change your FilterIf you have user-serviceable filters, be sure to change them monthly. They're inexpensive, and clean filters help keep the compressor operating efficiently.
- Plant a Tree!Not only to shade the house, but to shade the AC unit, too. If the unit has to expend energy to cool itself, it will have to work harder to cool your house's interior.
- Adjust your ThermostatSet the thermostat as high as is comfortable for you and your family. Just a few degrees higher than usual can have a significant positive impact on energy use with little negative impact on comfort.
- Check the SurroundingsMake sure the thermostat is placed away from lamps, sunny windows, and other heat sources that can keep the AC unit running unnecessarily.
- Dehumidify your HomeUse a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air - dry air feels cooler than moist air.
- Cover WindowsCover windows on the sunny side of the house during the hottest part of the day.
- During the Day...If no one is home most of the day, set the AC to turn on an hour before you arrive. No need to pay for cool air that no one is enjoying.
- At Night...Set your thermostat timer to raise the temperature at night. Body temperature drops as we sleep, so air that's comfortable during the day will be too chilly during slumber.
- Close Windows and DoorsWhen the AC is running, keep doors and windows closed to minimize loss of cool air.
- Turn Off the Pilot LightIf you have an older gas fireplace, turn off the pilot light (with a Cooper technician's help, if necessary). Relight it in the fall when the first crisp nights appear.
- Circulate the AirMake sure the attic is well insulated and well ventilated. Efficient air circulation keeps the temperature down and saves on cooling costs.
- Enjoy the Breeze!Consider using air conditioning only on the hottest days of the year. Instead, take advantage of cooling breezes through open doors and windows - you'll save money and the environment too!
You can easily perform most of these common-sense tips yourself and keep your house cool on the hottest summer days. And when you need expert service or want to upgrade or add to your cooling system, Cooper Heating and Cooling can build a custom system using the finest, most energy-efficient products on the market. You may be surprised how affordable cool can be!