Keep Your Home Cool This Summer With These 6 Simple Tips

The scorching hot temperatures in Texas can heat up your home quickly.

Summer is the time that you dread your next electric bill the most. Believe it or not there are ways to keep your home cool without draining your bank account.

All you need to do is follow these 6 simple steps.

1. Turn off the extras

The little things create heat too! Appliances, electronics, and light bulbs all create
heat when they are on. Skip using the oven on those hot days, turn to the
microwave or grill. When it comes to using the dishwasher or washer, wait until
the evening so that it is cooler outside. Limit the amount of loads you wash by
running full loads each time.

2.  Make small upgrades

Making small upgrades to lighting, fixtures, and heating and cooling equipment
can cut your utility bills down.

3.  Use your windows properly

During the day when the sun is shining in close your windows and blinds to keep
the warm heat outside.  In the evening when the temperatures drop, open your
windows to bring in the cooler air. Light colored blinds help reflect the heat
away. Planting a tree or shrubs in front of your house can also help block the
sunlight from entering your home.

4. Use your fans

Keep the air moving to keep you cool. The breeze created by the fan will pull
perspiration away from your body. Put a fan in the window to pull cool air in
and draw the warm air out.  Even when you are running the air conditioner
having fans running will allow you to raise the thermostat setting.

5. Check seals for leaks

Check around your home for air leaks and insulate your home to reduce your
heating and cooling costs. The most common places air leaks occur are around
windows, doors, attics, and basements. If you find a leak seal it with caulk or
weather-stripping. Then add insulation.

6. Use your air conditioner properly

Set your thermostat a few degrees higher than you normally would if you were
home. When you are home the ideal temperature to set your thermostat at is
between 72 and 75 degrees. Be sure to check your air filter and replace it when it
is dirty. An annual maintenance agreement is recommended so that you’ll have
less worries knowing your system will be serviced each year.

For more information on keeping your home cool this summer contact us today.