Summer is here! And for so many of us, that means cranking up the air conditioning for another season. Sure, it feels great to walk into a nice, cool house after a few hours in the hot sun, but that good feeling doesn’t come free. With energy prices rising, suppliers are passing the costs to their consumers. And with a typical Lubbock July averaging 90F, you may be in for some rude shocks when you open your electricity bill this summer.
But you don’t necessarily have to pay high prices for a comfortable home. By cutting high air conditioning usage, you can save energy and money. You have plenty of options to maintain a cool house, even during peak usage times.
Plug the Holes. Circulating air easily escapes through holes in windows and doorways. Test these areas for leaks; when you find them, plug the holes with plastic film or caulk.
Use Your Drapes. A set of thick drapes or pleated shades will block incoming sunlight and heat, keeping your home cooler so that your AC has less work to do. Don’t wait until your house is hot before you use the drapes – start the night before!
Cool Your Body. Sometimes all it takes is a cold shower to bring your body temperature down organically, and the effects can last for hours. Icy drinks and electric fans also help.
Check Your Filter. Your air conditioning unit will work more efficiently when you regularly replace the air filters. During peak season, check it at least once a month. When you notice layers of build-up, make the replacement.
Cook “Cool.” The less you use your oven and stove all summer, the cooler your home will stay. Grill outdoors, or opt for no-cook dishes like salads, cold soups, and dips.
Go Programmable! Today’s programmable thermostats are one of the best ways to monitor your energy usage and reduce your AC costs. You can set the thermostat to “rest” the central air unit while you’re away at work, and it will automatically begin to cool your house just before you return. It’s a great alternative to cranking the air conditioning all summer, and much better for your unit than constantly resetting the thermostat manually.
Stay Cool This Summer. Let my experienced staff give you energy tips and keep you up to speed on the best equipment for your home. Just give us a call or schedule an appointment.