10 Simple Ways to Prepare Your Home for The Summer Heat
Summer is just around the corner. This means that it is time to start thinking about preparing for the summertime heat. Here are just ten easy tips to help you stay cooler while lowering your electric bill:
Use Ceiling fans or box fans.
Ceiling fans should run counterclockwise in summer. This allows the fan to pull cool air up from the floor and disperse it through the house.
Change your light bulbs to fluorescent lights.
Fluorescent light bulbs don't heat up like the old fashion Incandescent light bulbs, meaning you can keep your home cooler.
Close the curtains.
When you close the curtains, the sun's rays that warm a home can be kept out. One option is to install inexpensive blinds on the south-facing windows, to change the temperature of the house. The curtains or blinds should always be installed with the white side facing out. White reflects sunrays and heat, rather than absorbing it. Also, choose a curtain with backing or lining. These will be more effective at keeping out the sun's rays
Solar sunscreens and a window film are other possibilities that can seriously diminish the heat coming through windows.
INSULATION is a must.
Attic, walls, and floors of the home should have adequate insulation. You can also install foil-radiant barriers in the attic to reduce trapped heat inside the walls of the home. This will ensure the temperature stays down and the home stays cooler. This means low electricity usage and high savings for you.
Consider alternative cooking options.
Grill out more or use the microwave to cut back on the heat produced by ranges to prepare a meal. This will minimize the heat indoors. If you find that you must cook indoors, use lids to cover the pots. This will cut back on the indoor humidity. You should also use a range hood or a microwave vent fan to allow the hot air escape outside. You can even turn the heat off just before the food is done if it remains covered. It will continue to cook without adding more heat to your home.
Use your oven light.
When you are cooking in the oven, use the oven light to check on foods instead of opening the door. This will keep the heat inside the oven instead of your kitchen.
Cool your electronic use.
Did you know electronics could heat up a room? Unplug those TVs, Computers, and other electronic devices off. They can generate a lot of heat when just sitting idle or even if turned off, so it is best to unplug devices when your aren't using them. Use a surge protector with an on/off switch for an easy to switch off button.
Repair windows and doors.
Windows and doors are the main source where heat enters a house. Keeping the windows closed and doors firmly shut will prevent the cool air from escaping and heat from entering. If your budget doesn't have room for replacements then repair the windows and doors using weather stripping. Only open the windows at night if the temperature is 70s F or below.
Keep your air conditioner filters clean.
Air condition filters should be cleaned at least once a month so your AC unit is not straining itself. This will allow air to flow without difficulty throughout your HVAC system, which will make it run more economically and save on your energy bill.
Don’t let cooling costs suck the fun out of summer. Call All Valley Plumbing & AC Co. at (956) 686-6656 for greener HVAC services in the McAllen area!
