by Cooper Climate Control
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Summer is fast approaching and with it comes triple-degree days and higher utility bills. Energy-efficient AC installation can save Phoenix residents a great deal of money during the summer, but did you know there is more you can do to reduce your energy use this season? Follow these simple DIY energy life hacks to prepare your home for summer:
Stop Air Leakage
Many people purchase older homes for their charm. They just feel “like home.” Unfortunately, older houses also settle over time, which can cause insulation to fail and cracks to appear where the house was once sealed. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to keep the cool air inside your home where it belongs. Add caulk to the areas where plumbing or electrical wiring travel through walls, floors and ceilings, as well. This will help seal your home so you get every bit of the air conditioning you pay for.
Check Thermostat Placement
If your thermostat is located next to a window on an outside wall, it will read the temperature inaccurately. This results in your AC kicking on much more frequently than it really needs to in order to maintain a consistent temperature. Keep your thermostat away from areas that experience temperature extremes. We recommend an inside wall away from windows, doors and kitchen appliances. Finally, don’t hide the thermostat in a rarely-used hallway; place it in a room you actually use so it can read the temperature accurately. This should allow you to get exactly the temperature you want during the summer months – without paying for air you don’t want!
Use Fans
The National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) estimates that proper use of a ceiling fan can make a room feel up to 10 degrees cooler in the summer and utilizes only 10 percent of the energy you would spend cranking up the AC. Consider fan installation to help cool your Phoenix home on a budget this summer – and make sure the fan blades go in a counterclockwise direction to promote cool downward airflow.
Get Shady
Consider adding low-emissive film to your window panes to reduce the impact of the sun on your home. Other additions like shade trees and large plants can provide natural relief and shelter from the sun. Plants also add to your home’s landscape and create a great atmosphere for entertaining. This is the perfect multipurpose solution! Be sure to browse a list of plants that are native to Arizona to avoid bringing foreign allergens into your neighborhood.
Turn it Up
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends an indoor temperature of 78 degrees when you are home during the summer. There is a myth that it is smarter to leave your AC at the same temperature even when you are not home because this will prevent your AC unit from working harder to cool your home down when you get home. This is not true. Data shows it is still beneficial to set your thermostat to a higher temperature when you leave for work in the morning. The additional energy it will take to cool down your home when you return is minimal compared to the cost of cooling an empty home.
Disclaimer: pet owners should consider their pet’s comfort during the day before making a decision about daytime temperatures. Long-haired dogs and cats will overheat quickly and may require a lower temperature. Be sure to leave plenty of water out for your pet at all times and turn on fans when necessary to keep them cool.
There are a variety of ways to stay cool over the summer without breaking the bank. Have you tried any of these tips yourself? Do you have other energy-saving ideas for the summer? Let us know in the comments! If you would like to reduce your AC bill even more, give us a call and claim your free estimate. A new, energy-efficient AC installation is the best way to keep cool over the summer!