In many parts of the world, air conditioning is an absolute necessity. In fact, in its absence, some areas would be downright uninhabitable, particularly during the summer months. However, this isn’t to say that AC is never overused, and as any seasoned homeowner can attest, complete reliance on it can cost a small fortune. Depending on where you’re based, never turning on your AC may not be feasible, but there are numerous ways households can regularly give their air conditioning – and personal finances – a break. So, if you’ve been looking for ways to lessen your AC’s burden, the following tips are likely to help.
Don’t Skimp on AC Maintenance
If your AC system is experiencing problems, it will have to expend additional energy to properly do its job. Not only is this bad for your AC and the environment, it’s not great for your financial bottom line, either. To nip potential issues in the bud, make a point of having your air conditioning system serviced at least once a year – preferably in advance of summer’s arrival. An experienced heating and cooling pro will be able to provide the system with a thorough cleaning and promptly identify any problems – or prospective problems – they come across. While this will require you to pay a small fee, it’s better to spend a little money now than shell out a king’s ransom in repair costs down the line.
In addition, take care to call in a seasoned pro whenever you encounter problems with your AC. Leaving problems alone and hoping they’ll magically fix themselves can lead to extensive system damage and exorbitant repair costs. The sooner you have an issue addressed, the less of a financial burden it’s likely to be.
Open Windows at Night
Many areas experience significant cooldowns after the sun goes down. So, if nighttime cooldowns are commonplace in your locale, why not give your AC a break during the overnight hours and leave the cooling to Mother Nature? In addition to opening windows, turn on any ceiling fans in your home, as this will help distribute the naturally cool outdoor air throughout your entire residence.
Install High-Quality Ceiling Fans
As previously stated, ceiling fans can serve to evenly distribute cool air throughout your home – be it from your AC system or outdoors. In addition to relieving your AC of some of its burden, ceiling fans can produce cooling breezes of their own. Once their blades have been set to rotate counterclockwise, they’ll blow air directly downward, creating an invigorating breeze in the process.
To enjoy the full benefits of ceiling fans, make sure to install them in key areas of your home, including the living room, kitchen and every bedroom. Furthermore, ceiling fans come in a variety of sizes, so whether you’re shopping for small ceiling fans or large ones, you should have no trouble finding exactly what you need.
Block Out the Sun
Not only can the strong summer sun make your home uncomfortably bright, it can also increase the temperature, thereby making your AC system’s job harder. To get on top of this problem, outfit your windows with blackout curtains. Per their name, these curtains serve to minimize the amount of sunlight that’s able to find its way through windows. As an added bonus, many varieties of blackout curtain are made from thermal materials, which are adept at preventing indoor air from escaping and outdoor air from entering your residence. So, if cool air escaping through windows is a common problem in your home, blackout curtains can be a smart investment. These curtains can also make a welcome addition to your bedroom, given how early the sun rises throughout the summer months.
Countless households put their air conditioning through its paces during the summer months. While there’s no denying that AC is an essential tool in most areas, it doesn’t have to be the only thing in your summertime cooling arsenal. Additionally, there are a number of benefits to giving your AC a break. Not only will less AC use help reduce your household’s carbon footprint, it can reduce your summertime cooling costs exponentially. Anyone looking to take some pressure off their air conditioning this summer can benefit from the pointers discussed above.
