4 Smart Ways to Stay Cool

As you deal with hot and humid weather, there’s no doubt that your cooling bill will rise. Assuming that your AC is well-maintained and running efficiently, there are still plenty of ways you can save money while staying cool.

Run the Ceiling Fans

If you have them, definitely run them. Turn your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down.

Ceiling fans don’t create cool air but they can make you feel about 4 degrees cooler. That means you can bump up the temperature on your thermostat several degrees without noticing a difference in your comfort. Plus, ceiling fans will help to distribute the cool air your AC generates.

Cook Outdoors More

You’d be surprised how much heat your appliances generate. Your refrigerator, range, oven, and dishwasher can raise the temperature in your kitchen to an uncomfortable degree.

Put your outdoor grill to good use. Start cooking after sundown and perhaps have a misting fan running as well.

Run your dishwasher at night when temperatures — and your electricity rates — drop. And skip the heat-dry cycle. It will increase your dishwasher’s runtime. Let your dishes airdry instead.

Manage Humidity

Your central system does more than cool your home, it also removes humidity. But you can help it along by avoiding activities that generate humidity. Take cooler showers and use your exhaust fan.

Also, replace your AC filter every 30 to 90 days. A clogged filter restricts airflow, causing the humidity to rise.

Close the Blinds

The Department of Energy says that over three-quarters of the sunlight that hits a standard double-pane window will generate heat in your home. Thermal curtains, or blackout curtains, can reduce sunlight by as much as 90%.

Contact Us Today

There are, of course, some ways of staying cool that will require professional help. Grapids Home Services, Inc. can provide AC maintenance and repairs at a time that’s convenient for you, so call us today for a consultation at (616)-453-1099.