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Ever hear the song: “In the Good Old Summertime”? Sure you have – that lighthearted tune made famous by Judy Garland that reflects the innocence and outdoor splendor of the summer months.
Fast forward to today and what do we find? We find that it’s not always fun and games. That sometimes it gets good old-fashioned hot, humid, and miserable – the result of which is skyrocketing home cooling costs.
Nostalgia is great, but so is absolute indoor comfort matched with keeping your energy costs under control. Here are a few ways to accomplish just that.
Install ceiling fans – Ceiling fans help circulate cool air while relieving your AC system of some of the stress and strain. By pulling falling cool air back up towards the ceiling, you’ll keep cool without having to lower the thermostat.
Open windows at night – Opening at least two windows will create cross-ventilation and generate a cooling breeze throughout your home. Add a new attic fan into the mix, and you can reduce electricity costs even more.
Block the sunlight – While streaming sunlight will brighten a home’s interior, it also raises the temperature. Solar blinds will deflect a substantial amount of the sun’s rays and keep your house cooler. Another option is to keep your curtains and shades closed during the day.
Raise your thermostat – Most folks prefer a setting of around 72º F. However, raising the temperature by a few degrees will result in a significant reduction in cooling costs.
Install a programmable thermostat – A programmable thermostat will regulate the function of your A/C system by automatically adjusting the temperature throughout the day based on your chosen settings. It’s a great way to save money when no one’s home but still come home to a cool, comfortable environment.
Don’t use the stove or oven – Cooking or baking makes you want to spike the cool air flow. Instead, cook outdoors or eat more salads and other cold folds.
Another way to control cooling costs is with annual AC system preventive maintenance – a specialty of the house here at GBT Heating & Cooling. Our cleaning and inspection service also will help keep your system in top working order, reduce the number of repairs, and help your system last longer. Contact us today to schedule a service and rest a little easier knowing your home comfort is in our capable hands.