Ceiling Fans Circulate Cool Air
If you live in a place with outdoor summer temperatures in the 90s or higher, you won’t be able to rely solely on fans to cool down your home. However, they work great for supplementing the AC so it doesn’t have to work so hard.
Set your thermostat a few degrees higher and run the fan to make the home feel just as cool. Ceiling fans circulate the cool air that the AC has produced and create a wind-chill effect. If nights get cool in your area, turn off the AC, open the windows, and keep the fans running to distribute the cool air. During summer, make sure that the ceiling fans are running in the counterclockwise direction to cool the rooms.
Keep the Sun From Warming Up Your Home
You may notice that some rooms in your house become very warm with the sun coming in through the windows. Install blackout curtains for a simple fix. Close the curtains to block the sunlight during the day. You’ll lower the temperature by a few degrees just by keeping out the sunlight, which also means the AC doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the room.
Program the Thermostat to Reduce Cooling Costs
A programmable or smart thermostat is a great tool for reducing cooling costs. There’s no point in cooling a house when no one is there. Set the thermostat schedule based on when people are home or use a smart thermostat that detects movement in the house and adjusts accordingly. You’ll save money by letting the AC turn off when it isn’t needed.
Reduce Cooling Costs with Solar Panels
Solar panels will help reduce your energy costs year-round. They will be the most effective during summer because they will absorb the most sunlight, which is converted into energy that you can use to cool your home and run electronics. In some cases, solar panels will generate all the electricity that your home uses.
Limit Appliance Use During the Day
Running appliances like the stove, oven, dishwasher, and dryer, generates heat and warms up the house. Wait until evening or night to do chores instead of during the hottest part of the day. By preventing your home from heating up, your AC will use less energy.
KO Inspection offers home inspection services in the Seattle, WA area. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to request an appointment.