When summer arrives, keeping your home cool without cranking up the AC can be a challenge. Fortunately, many ways exist to save energy and stay comfortable. Simple changes to your routine can make a big difference. Whether it’s adjusting your thermostat or sealing air leaks, they can add up to big savings. The first step is always making sure your AC filter is clear and scheduling professional AC maintenance. This will keep your system as efficient as possible for the hottest season.
For other steps, check out these practical tips from the Childers Air Plumbing & Electric team in Beckley, WV. Read on to find out how to conquer the heat without running up your energy bill.
Adjust Your Thermostat Settings
One of the easiest ways to save energy while keeping your home cool during the summer is by adjusting your thermostat settings. By simply raising the temperature a few degrees, you can reduce the amount of energy your cooling system uses. If you normally set the temperature to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, try increasing it to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. You might not even notice the difference, but you’ll definitely notice the impact on your energy bill.
Another option is to use a programmable thermostat. These smart devices allow you to set different temperatures throughout the day, so your system doesn’t run constantly when you’re away or asleep. For example, you can program it to cool the house just before you arrive home from work. This way, you don’t have to waste energy cooling an empty house.
If you don’t want to invest in a new thermostat, you can still make a difference by manually adjusting your settings when you leave for the day. Every little change adds up to lower energy use and greater savings.
Seal Gaps and Insulate Your Home
Your home may be losing cool air without you even realizing it. Small gaps around windows, doors, and electrical outlets can let cool air escape and warm air creep in. Sealing them is a cost-effective way to keep your home cooler and reduce the strain on your AC. You don’t need to spend a fortune; weatherstripping and caulking around windows and doors can help block out hot air and prevent cool air from escaping.
You should also check your attic and walls for insulation. If the material is old, you could be losing a lot of the cool air generated by your AC. Proper insulation helps maintain the temperature inside your home, making it easier to keep cool without overworking your cooling system. Insulating key areas can greatly boost your home’s energy efficiency. It’s a small investment that can save you money in the long run by lowering your energy use.
Schedule an Energy Audit
An energy audit gives you a clear picture of where your home may be losing cool air—whether through leaky ductwork, poor insulation, or inefficient appliances. Every household is different, and the areas that your house is losing conditioned air might surprise you. The only way to know for sure is with an in-depth assessment by a team like the pros at Childers Air Plumbing & Electric.
By identifying these problem areas, we can recommend targeted upgrades that improve your home’s energy performance. This might include sealing air leaks, adding attic insulation, or upgrading your cooling system. Even small fixes can have a big impact on your comfort and your utility bills. Our energy audits also help prioritize which improvements will give you the best return, so you’re not spending money where you don’t need to. Many homeowners see noticeable drops in their monthly cooling costs—especially during those humid Appalachian summers.
If you’re tired of sky-high bills or uneven cooling, let us help. At Childers Air Plumbing & Electric, we’re committed to helping West Virginia homeowners stay comfortable while keeping costs in check. Contact us today to schedule your home energy audit and enjoy a cooler, more efficient summer.
Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate Cool Air
Ceiling fans are an excellent way to stay comfortable and keep your home cool without turning up the air conditioner. Fans work by moving air around, which can make the room feel cooler even when the temperature stays the same. This can be especially helpful in the evening or early morning when the outside temperature is cooler, but you still want to circulate air.
You can also use fans alongside your air conditioning to help distribute cool air more evenly throughout the house. Set the fan to run in the same direction as your air conditioner’s airflow to enhance its cooling effect. This way, the fan helps distribute the cool air more evenly, reducing the need for the AC to work as hard.
Just be sure to turn off the fans when you leave a room, as they don’t actually cool the air; they only make it feel cooler. This small habit will save you energy by preventing the fan from running unnecessarily.
Cook Smart to Keep Your Home Cool
Summer often means more time spent cooking, but using the stove or oven can quickly heat up your kitchen. Instead of relying on your oven, consider preparing meals that don’t require cooking at all. Try salads, cold sandwiches, or no-cook recipes. If you do need to use your stove or oven, try to cook during cooler parts of the day, like early in the morning or late at night.
You could also use smaller kitchen appliances like a slow cooker, microwave, or toaster oven. These generate less heat than a full-sized oven, which helps keep your kitchen cooler. If grilling outdoors is an option, take advantage of it. This will prevent your kitchen from getting too warm while still allowing you to cook up a tasty meal.
Block Direct Sunlight From Entering Your Home
The sun’s heat can quickly warm up your home, especially through windows that get direct sunlight. Blocking the sun’s rays is one of the easiest ways to lower your cooling costs. Simple window coverings like blinds or curtains can make a difference in the temperature inside your home. Choose light-colored curtains, as they reflect sunlight rather than absorb it.
If you’re looking for a more natural solution, consider adding shade to your windows by planting trees or shrubs outside. The shade from these plants can keep your home cooler, reducing the amount of heat that enters your home. Installing exterior shading devices can also prevent direct sunlight from streaming through your windows and raising the temperature inside.
If you want to go the extra mile, consider using reflective window films that help block UV rays while still allowing you to see outside. This simple addition can dramatically reduce heat gain through your windows, making your home more comfortable without relying solely on air conditioning.
Upgrade Your Air Conditioning System
You should schedule an AC maintenance appointment each year during the early spring. However, there will come a time that even with regular servicing, your AC is no longer running efficiently, and a replacement is necessary. Newer models use less power and keep your home cooler more effectively. While replacing your AC unit can be a big investment, the long-term savings in energy costs will more than make up for the initial expense. Choose an energy-efficient AC with a high SEER rating. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit, which means lower cooling costs.
Take Care of Your AC Today
From smart thermostat use to simple home improvements, every little step helps. If you’re ready to make sure your home is both energy-efficient and comfortable this summer, the Childers Air Plumbing & Electric air conditioning services team is here to help. We also provide top-notch indoor air quality solutions. Give us a call today!
