A little warmth can be helpful, but the blistering heat of summer can be uncomfortable. The usual solution is to let the air conditioning handle it. But if you don’t want to pay a huge electricity bill, you are going to want to have some other options available. Here are a few tips on how to keep the house cool despite the heat for a reasonable price.
Upgrade Your Air Conditioner
The best place to start with improving your cooling is with your air conditioner. Air conditioning companies are always upgrading and improving. One facet that they always aim for is energy-efficiency. So if your AC unit is a decade old, it is probably time to trade it in for a new, more efficient model. Even five years can see a jump in efficiency, so if you have the money, you can reasonably get an upgrade.
Insulation is Key
If your AC is in prime shape, the next best thing you can do is to insulate the right places. Insulation is energy-efficient since it works both during the hot and cold months of the year. That is because it maintains the temperature inside your house. So if it is warmer outside, the cold inside will stay. If the situation is reversed and it is colder outside, the warmth will remain inside your home. The best insulation spots are your attic, which absorbs most of the heat and the walls. Don’t skimp on it since the energy savings you get from them can more than pay off the costs.
Apply Some Film
Sunlight is one of the major carriers of thermal energy. It means that you should be blocking out the harsher sunlight of midday to help cool down your house. Curtains and blinds can help, but the light is still getting in. If you want to prevent it, you should apply some darkening film on your windows. It dims the light and can add a layer of privacy for your family.
Invest in a Dehumidifier
Your body has a natural cooling mechanism in sweat. The problem is that air can only hold so much moisture. If the perspiration cannot evaporate, then you will feel hotter. Keep the air dry and able to absorb moisture by getting a dehumidifier. Besides that, you should wear cotton fabrics so that sweat can dry up faster.
Seal Things Up
Cold air escapes rooms quickly if there are holes or other cracks. If you want to retain the atmosphere of your rooms, you should inspect to find any cracks or holes in your house. Sealing them up, along with doors and windows, can help you retain the cold better.
Install Solar Panels
Your house can heat up from just the sunlight hitting your roof. With solar panels, you can keep your AC running while also keeping your roof’s temperature down. That is a one-two punch. Your home will be cooler naturally while also having the energy to cool itself further via the solar panels.
Stay Cool During the Heat
Keeping cool can become expensive if you are not careful. Cranking up the AC is only part of the solution. The advice above can help in ensuring that you don’t have an enormous bill when summer comes around. Have them ready when the temperature starts getting high.
