Keeping Your House Cool This Summer

This summer has been a hot one and cranking up your AC at home may seem like the only relief.   But as the temperature climbs, keeping your house cool can drive up your energy bill.  Here are some tips to help keep your house comfortable while avoiding high energy bills.

1.  Close your blinds

Lined curtains and shutter blinds, closed during the heat of the day, repel the sunlight. Low-emissivity, or “low-E,” glass windows reflect outside heat in the summer and retain inside heat during the winter. If your windows aren’t made of low-E glass, consider applying a heat-reflecting film to them.

2.  Shade windows and walls

Plant shade trees along the south and west sides of the house. Deciduous trees that leaf out in the growing season provide shade in the hottest months and drop their leaves in the fall so that the sun can warm the house in winter. A trellis with climbing vines positioned on the south and west sides of the house also keeps the sun’s heat away.

3.  Close doors and seal gaps

Close doors to rooms you aren’t using to keep cool air where you need it most. Seal gaps around doors and windows and use draught excluders to ensure the cool air can’t escape.  

4.  Barriers and insulation

Installing a radiant barrier on the underside of the roof decking greatly reduces attic heat, which can work its way into the living areas below. Adding insulation to the attic completes this protection. Also, inspect your ductwork to ensure that no air-conditioning is leaking into the attic.

5.  Hit the off switch

Use the stove and oven less often and limit their use to early morning before the heat of the day. Instead, prepare meals in the microwave and outside grill. Turn off the power to computers and televisions when not in use, since they generate heat even in standby mode.

6.  Invest in energy-efficient appliances

Replace old appliances with new, more energy-efficient ones. You’ll save energy and generate less inside heat. Replacing an old air-conditioning unit will save on your energy bills over time because of advances in efficiency.

7.  Check your thermostat settings

Your air-conditioning thermostat should be set between 72 and 78 degrees to accommodate most people’s comfort without sky-high bills.

8.  Turn on the fan

Ceiling fans are a major asset in keeping both temperatures and air-conditioning costs down. In summer, the blades should spin in the direction that blows air down, generally counter-clockwise as you look up at the fan. Ceiling fans use less energy than running the air-conditioner.

Other helpful tips to lower energy bills.

Streamline Services understands the challenges you face trying to stay comfortable this summer.  Please give us a call for any questions, repairs, or inspections that you might need.  We are here to help – text or call 919-342-8400 or schedule online.  Also check out Energy.gov for more energy saver information.