Running the AC unit on full blast all summer is one way to keep cool, if you’re willing to pay for it that is. Another way is to incorporate the following energy efficient cooling tips to help you stay comfortable in your Jacksonville home, without the high cost, this summer.
Block out the sun light. Keeping out the hot summer sunlight from beaming into the house is one of the best ways to lower and keep indoor temperatures cool. Point the blinds up to block the sun or for better results invest in black out shades or wooden shutters, especially on the windows that point south or west and keep them closed during the day. Consider installing white window shades, drapes or blinds to reflect heat away from the house. Our friends at All About Blinds offer great shade solutions to keep your home comfortable this summer.
Open up windows at night. Summer nights bring cooler air. Open up the windows to allow it to circulate throughout the house. Strategically place box fans to pull in cool air and blow out the hot air to get a strong cross-breeze flowing for maximum cooling. Also try grilling outside at night more often so that you don’t add extra heat to to house from the stove or oven!
Reverse the ceiling fans. Most ceiling fans have a reverse switch that allows you to change the way it spins. During summer, the fan should rotate counter-clockwise to pull hot air up towards the ceiling. Correspondingly, in winter the fan should rotate clockwise to force the hot air downwards.
Create shade. Planting trees and bushes outside around your home’s southern and western facing rooms creates natural shade that will prove to be a great long-term energy-saving investment. Also, without blocking air flow, shade your outdoor unit as well.
Install Fluorescents or LEDs. Traditional incandescent light bulbs put off a lot of heat then they are in use, as well as use a lot of energy! Instead, switch them out with energy-saving, low heat emission fluorescent or LED bulbs. They are a little more money up front but after they are installed they will save you money since they use much less energy and they run much cooler.
Check all seals for leaks. Make sure that the sealing around your windows and doors isn’t worn with holes or leaks that allow air to escape when you are running the air conditioner. Add caulking or weather-stripping to seal these leaks.
Leave the AC running when you leave. This is often a very common mistake made by homeowners. By turning the AC completely off when leaving the house for vacation or even just for the day, it causes the indoor temperature to rise and the AC unit to work much harder when you finally turn it back on. Instead, bump up the temperature a few degrees just to allow air to circulate through your home. This will make it easier for the system to cool the house back down upon your return and prevent from mold or mildew growth will you are away.
Keep humidity low. The humidity is really what makes the summers feel so hot. Keep the humidity as low as possible in the house by taking showers, running the dishwasher or doing a load of laundry early in the morning.
Insulate your attic. Proper insulation in the attic will help keep the cool air in and hot air out during summers. Without insulation, the attic can get extremely hot causing the temperature in the house to rise and make it difficult to cool back down.
Don’t place lamps by the thermostat. Avoid placing lamps or TVs next to the thermostat as they emit heat and cause a false temperature reading. The AC will run longer than actually necessary and waste your money.
