Summers in Georgia can get extremely hot. Having air conditioning in your home is essential to staying cool. Without air conditioning your home can become a hypothetical oven in no time. Cranking down your system during the warmer months can be an easy fix. But that uses a ton of energy and increases your energy bill. With that being said, there has to be ways in which you can keep your house cool without breaking the bank. Here Fritts Heating & Air discusses alternative ways to keep you house cool during the summer.
Windows, Drapes & Blinds
During the hot summer months, the easiest thing you can do to keep your house cool is making sure the windows are shut. If the outdoor temperature is hotter than the temperature inside, keeping the windows closed will help the inside of your home stay cooler. With that being said, about 76% of sunlight that enters your home through the windows turns into heat. So to minimize this heat absorption, it’s a good idea to keep your blinds or curtains closed. Many home owners opt for darker or black out curtains to reduce sunlight as much as possible.
Dehumidifier
If you live in a more humid state and climate, the humidity can make the summer heat feel even worse. While a dehumidifier won’t reduce room temperature, it will help control the sticky, thick air that makes hot days even more unbearable. Investing in a dehumidifier can keep your home more comfortable during the warmer months.
Turn Off Lights
Light bulbs produce heat, especially the incandescent ones. If you can’t replace this kind of bulb in your home, the least you can do is minimize their usage. If you are not using a certain room or are not home, it’s a good idea to turn off all your lights. This will reduce heat expulsion into your home making your home more comfortable over time.
Insulation
Many of the things that help keep your home warmer in the winter also help keep your home cooler in the summer. One of the biggest things is insulation. This can lower your energy bills by keeping the cool air in and the heat out. If you have doors with gaps at the bottom, especially those that lead outside, insulation or weather strips are a good investment. These can be surprisingly inexpensive, too. Contact your local distributor for insulation options.
Unplug Electronics & Appliances
A surprising amount of heat is generated from appliances around your house. Switching them off can help avoid internal heat gains. When you are not using certain appliances or electronics its a good idea to unplug them. Also make sure the backs of fridges and freezers have plenty of ventilation space. As these appliances in particular can pump a lot of unnecessary heat into a room.
Invest In Low Energy Light Bulbs
Conventional incandescent light bulbs are surprisingly inefficient. In fact, they give off up to 90% of their energy as waste heat. Switch to low-energy light bulbs to reduce overheating. This will not only reduce heat but also save you money in the long run.
Call Fritts Heating & Air
Need HVAC service, AC repair, or a smart thermostat installed? You can rely on Fritts. We provide heating and cooling services for air conditioning repair, commercial HVAC, furnace repair, smart thermostat installation, HVAC repair and installation, and more. We also offer HVAC financing options.
