More and more people are experiencing hotter days and warmer nights, which means air conditioning is fast becoming a home necessity. Even if it is not summer, a changing climate means we are getting more sun and humidity, which forces many homeowners to run their air conditioning for longer periods.
If your home still does not have air conditioning, you should probably start looking for AC installation in Salt Lake City, Utah. And if you already have one, you are probably worried about rising energy bills.
Fortunately, there are ways to keep your power bills low while keeping your home comfortable.
1. Keep your spaces closed
Whether you live in a house or an apartment, the best way to keep your home cool is to plug all the leaks and keep the space enclosed.
If you keep a window or two while the air conditioning is running, you’re forcing the machine to work harder to cool your home. Gaps in doors and windows also let hot air in and the cool air escape.
2. Keep the sun out
Even if you are running the air conditioning at full blast, it will be harder to cool your home if sunlight is passing through the windows. Sunlight still carries heat, which you are trying to keep out.
Maximize your home’s natural shade and utilize it to the fullest extent. If you are looking for a new home or apartment, make sure that trees shade the house. Awnings over your windows also keep the sun out.
3. Replace old light bulbs
Old light bulbs, especially incandescent ones, radiate a lot of heat. Replacing them with energy-efficient LED bulbs lowers your power bills and reduces the amount of heat in your home.
4. Insulate the attic
If your home has an attic, ensure that the roof and attic insulation are correctly applied. With the roof bearing the brunt of the sun’s heat, a properly insulated attic keeps the heat from seeping into your living spaces. Make sure the insulation is smoothed out.
5. Change your lifestyle
Small changes to your lifestyle can go a long way in improving your home’s cooling. For instance, if you have a large backyard, forego the dryer and hang your clothes outdoors on a clothesline. Dryers generate a lot of heat, which can linger and spread elsewhere if the space has poor insulation and ventilation.
The kitchen is another big temperature trap. To reduce the heat in your home, try cooking dishes that do not require the oven or stove countertop. You can trade your gas burner for an electric stove. Barbecuing outdoors also keeps the heat out.
6. Don’t block the vent
Make sure the air conditioner’s vents are unobstructed to maximize the cool airflow. Reposition your furniture and make sure the vents are clear to get the most out of your air conditioner.
As a homeowner, you want to maximize your air conditioner’s performance and keep your home cool. These ideas are a great place to start if you want to keep your home cool while saving energy. Feel free to supplement these cooling tips with other ideas you find elsewhere.
