If you live in a hot climate, then you know how important it is to keep your home cool. During the summer, the last thing you want is for your air conditioner to break down. And in the winter, you don’t want your heating bill to be through the roof.
One study showed that the average cooling costs in Arizona, for instance, are about $477 per month during the summer of 2019. Your costs can shoot up even higher if your air conditioner breaks down and you have to repair or replace it. So, if you’re looking to save money and keep your home comfortable all year round, here are five tips to help you keep your home cool all year round:
1. Get annual HVAC maintenance.
If you want your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and furnace systems to last, then you need to get them serviced on a regular basis. At a minimum, you should get them checked out once a year. However, you don’t need to wait a year to get a service provider to check your systems. You can get a preventative maintenance check done every six months.
One tell-tale sign that your furnace or air conditioner is due for a check-up is when they start making strange noises. If you start hearing banging, grinding, or squealing sounds, then it’s time to give your HVAC system a once-over. Fortunately, many service providers offer annual maintenance plans that are very affordable.
2. Change your filters regularly.
Another easy way to keep your HVAC system running smoothly is to change the filters regularly. Depending on the type of filter you have, you may need to change it every month or two. Apart from filters, you also need to clean the coils and blower blades regularly. The coils and blower blades are critical components of your HVAC system, and if they’re not clean, then your system will have to work harder—and use more energy—to cool or heat your home. These are simple tasks that take just a few minutes but can make a big difference in the efficiency of your system.
3. Insulate your home.
One of the best ways to keep your home cool is to make sure it is well insulated. This will help keep the cold air in during the winter and the hot air out during the summer. Check around doors and windows for drafts and seal them up with weatherstripping or caulk. You may also want to add additional insulation to your attic or walls.
Some of the most popular insulation options include fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. Remember, each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Fiberglass insulation is the most common type. It’s made of small glass fibers bonded together with resin. It is affordable, easy to install, and resists moisture and fire. However, it is not very effective at blocking sound transmission. When installed improperly, it can be a fire hazard.
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products. It’s environmentally friendly and effective at blocking sound transmission. However, it can be difficult to install and can cause mold problems if it gets wet.
Foam insulation is made from polyurethane foam and is highly effective at blocking sound and heat transfer. Furthermore, it is resistant to moisture and fire. Keep in mind, though, foam insulation can be expensive to install and can cause indoor air quality problems if it is not installed properly.
4. Use window coverings wisely.
During the summer months, it’s best to keep your windows covered during the day to help keep the heat out. Light-colored blinds or curtains are best since they will reflect more light and heat than dark-colored ones. In the winter, you can open up the window coverings during the day to let in some sunlight and heat up your home naturally. Another popular option you can find these days are solar shades. You can get interior solar shades that will help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Solar shades are specially designed to reflect sunlight and heat and protect against harmful UV rays. Just be sure to close them at night so that you don’t lose all that heat!
5. Get a programmable thermostat.
A programmable thermostat can save you money by automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re not home so that you’re not cooling (or heating) an empty house. You can even control many newer thermostats from your smartphone so you can adjust the temperature as you’re driving home from work.
There are many ways to keep your home cool all year round, and most of them are easy and affordable. By following the tips in this article, you can make sure your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible, keep your home cool throughout the year, and save money on your energy bills.
