Austin’s summer this year, with its record-breaking triple-digit heatwave, underscores the importance of an efficiently working air conditioning system. For all Austinites, it’s important to ensure your home remains a sanctuary of comfort without skyrocketing energy bills.
Here are some top tips to keep your home cool and your costs low.
Change Your Thermostat Settings
Keeping your thermostat set to a slightly higher but comfortable temperature can lead to significant energy savings. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat or SMART thermostat further enhances these savings, allowing you to set cooler temperatures when home and warmer ones when you’re away.
Stop Home Humidity
Humidity can make indoor temperatures feel more oppressive. Always switch on exhaust fans when cooking or showering. If you lack an exhaust, a slightly opened window can help vent excess moisture.You can also invest in a dehumidifier for those areas of the house where humidity is generated, adding to the overall heat in your home.
Reduce Solar Heat
The Austin sun is relentless. Shield your interiors from the heat by closing blinds and drapes during peak heat times of the day, especially on the side of your home that faces West. Investing in window films or specialized window treatments can allow for natural light while also reducing heat ingress into your home.
Use Cooler Cooking Methods
Summer is the perfect time for barbecues. Grill outside to prevent heating up your interiors. Alternatively, microwaves offer a quicker, less heat-intensive cooking method. This is also the time of the year when colder meals make a big difference in helping you feel cool while also stopping unnecessary warming of your kitchen space.
Use Programmable Thermostats
Automating your home’s cooling ensures consistent temperatures during the day and improves energy efficiency. Set the thermostat to increase a few degrees when no one’s home and let the device handle the rest. Using a SMART thermostat can also allow you to remotely adjust the temperature inside your home when you want the air conditioner to start cooling the house before you get home.
Fan It Out
Fans, whether ceiling-mounted or portable, can make a room feel cooler without running the air conditioner so much. They circulate air, creating a breeze effect that can make you feel several degrees cooler. Fans are incredibly helpful if you’re a person who needs cooler temperatures at night when you sleep. You can use an oscillating fan in the hours leading up to bed time to push hot air out of your room.
Shade Your AC Unit
Your AC works harder under direct sunlight. Shading the unit can reduce its electricity consumption by up to 10%. Consider strategic landscaping, like bushes or trees, but be sure that any plants don’t hinder the unit’s airflow or penetrate the unit itself.
Seal and Insulate
An insulated attic reduces the heat that can infiltrate your home. Also, sealing gaps around doors and windows with weatherstripping or sealants can prevent hot air intrusion and cold air leaks. We also recommend ensuring that all ducting is properly sealed and any holes are repaired.
Regularly Replace Your Air Filters
A clean air filter ensures optimal AC performance. Regular replacements mean your system doesn’t have to work overtime, prolonging its lifespan and enhancing efficiency. For homes with pets and/or significant dust build up, you should visually inspect your filters more frequently to detect if the filter is being clogged or getting dirty.
Schedule AC Maintenance in Austin
This might be the most crucial tip. Regular AC check-ups detect potential issues, ensuring the system runs smoothly, especially during Austin’s hottest months. AC maintenance not only prevents costly AC repairs from happening, it also helps to keep your system running smoothly during the hotter periods of the day. There’s nothing worse than a malfunctioning AC unit during the summer in Austin.
Having trouble cooling your home? Don’t sweat it.
Reach out to the experienced team at RedHome Services. We’re your local experts in AC repair and maintenance in Austin, ensuring you and your loved ones stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
When you book an in-home consultation with us, a RedHome expert will arrive at your home ready to thoroughly inspect your AC system. We take the time to look at every component of your system, even the ones that others might overlook. This includes a complete diagnostics inspection to ensure you get the service you need.