At Jack Hall Plumbing and Heating, we can make sure your HVAC system is ready to keep the house cool through the dog days of summer. What we can’t control is the cost of the utility bill you’ll get at the end of July and August.
To give your air conditioning system and your wallet a break, there are some simple things you can do to keep your home cooler. Here are some tips on how to beat the heat and save some cash this summer.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats give you the power to program the temperature on a schedule and even control it from your smartphone. You can save a significant amount on your utility bill by keeping the house a little warmer when no one is home.
Open Windows at Night
Even after a hot summer day, temperatures in the North Country can drop during the night, providing some cool evening relief. On these nights, open multiple windows to promote air circulation and get a cross-breeze going. You’ll even sleep better with the fresh air – don’t forget to close windows and blinds in the morning before things heat up again.
Insulate and Air Seal Your Home
If your home gets very cold in the winter and extra hot in the summer, it’s a sign that the insulation needs attention. A well-insulated home makes a huge difference in the utility bill, and you’ll be much more comfortable year-round.
Get the Ceiling Fans Spinning
Ceiling fans are a great way to circulate air through a room. Combined with open windows on a cool night, fans can cool things down using a fraction of the energy your AC system would need. Just make sure the ceiling fan is set to rotate counterclockwise as you look up at it, so it pushes the air down.
Close Blinds and Window Coverings
Summer sun can beam through your windows and really heat up the house. Block the heat with shades or blinds during the sunniest hours to keep your home cooler. For rooms on lower floors, turn your blinds upwards to prevent sunny rays from sneaking through.
Run Big Appliances at Night
Large appliances give off significant amounts of heat. Wait to turn on your oven, range, dishwasher, and washing machine until the temperature drops in the evening. Also, consider hanging laundry outside to dry. You’ll save the cost of running the clothes dryer and reduce the heat and humidity in the house.
Give your AC Unit a Tune-Up
During summer, you’re going to have to turn on the AC at some point. When you do, it’s essential that it’s running properly because if the unit isn’t working efficiently, it means more money spent on energy. Jack Hall’s trained technicians can maintain and clean your AC unit to ensure it operates at peak performance.
Fire Up the Grill
At Jack Hall, we support all types of outdoor grilling in the summer season, especially with a cold beverage. When the temperatures soar, don’t make things inside even warmer by turning on the oven. Fire up the grill, get a little fresh air, and enjoy some outdoor cooking.
Keep Interior Doors Open
Leaving your interior doors open, especially if your home isn’t an open design living space, helps cool things down. Open doors promote better air circulation, eliminate hot spots in certain rooms, and regulate the temperature.
Change your Lightbulbs
Believe it or not, old incandescent lightbulbs can add to the heat in the room. While one bad bulb doesn’t really have an impact, a small room with multiple incandescent light bulbs will be hotter. Light-emitting diode (LED) and compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs are a better choice because they are more energy-efficient and generate less heat.
Jack Hall Plumbing & Heating has the air conditioning solutions to keep you cool this summer without breaking the bank. From ductless mini split systems that can cool parts of the home to the latest HVAC systems that run efficiently and reduce cooling costs. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can make your home more comfortable in every season.
