Tips for Cooling Homes in Extreme Heat
Tips for Cooling Homes in Extreme Heat
Temperatures are rising across the United States (and the world) each year. In the past few years, global temperatures have consistently been among the hottest on record, and there is no indication that this will change anytime soon. If you live in South Carolina, you are no stranger to sweltering summer temperatures. Most summer days in the southeast are upwards of 95 degrees, and a good air conditioning system is crucial to every home and business. While it would be ideal to keep your home as cool and comfortable as you want all day, for most, this is not realistic. Running your AC at low temperatures 24/7 gets very expensive. Not only is it bad for your wallet, it also negatively impacts the environment and overworks your HVAC unit. Luckily, we have some expert tips for keeping your home cool in extreme heat, without spending a fortune on air conditioning.
Hose Down the HVAC Unit
One way to keep your HVAC unit running as smoothly and efficiently as possible is to hose it down on hot days. This can be done several times a day, as needed. The evaporating water keeps the unit cool and working at its best. Another option is to set up a sprinkler nearby that will consistently drench the unit and keep it from overheating.
Close the Drapes/Blinds
While it may seem like common sense, many don’t realize the impact of closing the drapes on hot, sunny days. Windows can let in a lot of sunlight and heat and keeping them covered will help maintain the temperature and will be less work for the air conditioning unit. Keeping your blinds or curtains closed in the hottest part of the day, between 10:00am and 4:00pm, can make a huge difference.
Keep Your AC at a Set Temperature
Most people turn the temperature up or completely turn off the air conditioning when leaving the house. While this seems like it would be a good approach, many HVAC Greenville SC services suggest keeping the AC at a set temperature, whether you’re at home or not. Otherwise, you run the risk of overworking the unit when you return home. For the best energy savings, it is recommended that you keep the thermostat between 76 and 78 degrees. For every degree cooler that you keep your house, it costs you an extra 4-6% on your energy bill.
Turn the Thermostat Down at Night
If you must turn down your thermostat, the best time to do so is overnight. Keeping your home cool at night reduces overall temperatures of the floors and walls, which helps the system to run better the next day. Your HVAC system will also operate more efficiently at night when outside temperatures are cooler.
Avoid Using the Stove/Oven
Cooking with an oven or stovetop is a bad idea in summer months and should be avoided when possible. Cooking indoors generates a large amount of heat that then lingers in the house. This forces your AC to work harder to cool down your kitchen after cooking. Summer is a great time to grill outdoors, eat cold foods, or order take-out.
Clean Your Air Filters
Dirty air filters restrict airflow and force your cooling system to work harder. The lifespan of your air filter depends on many factors, including the quality of the filter, climate, and if you have pets. Typically, air filters should be replaced or cleaned at least every few months, but if you’re not sure, call your local HVAC contractor to find out. You should also make sure no shrubs or plants are within two or three feet of the unit, so that airflow is not being blocked from outside the unit.
