When summer temperatures hit their peak, turning on your air conditioner may be the only way to stay cool and safe indoors. But powering up the HVAC system doesn’t have to mean excessive energy bills. By practicing the following tips, you can keep your home cool while minimizing your household energy usage on HVAC services.

5 Simple Ways to Lower Your Cooling Costs This Summer

1. Use Fans

While they won’t produce cool air, ceiling fans will augment the effects of your air conditioner. By increasing airflow, these devices can make your home feel cooler and reduce humidity. In terms of energy savings, using fans in conjunction with your AC allows you to raise your thermostat by four degrees without experiencing a change in comfort.

2. Use Shade Inside

The summer will bring more than light into your home when it shines through your windows, but it will also bring a considerable amount of heat. To keep this natural heat source out—and maintain a cooler and energy-efficient home—keep your curtains or blinds closed during the day. Strategic placement of trees and shrubs can also help shade your home for extra cooling benefits.

3. Avoid Heat-Generating Appliances

Many household appliances will produce heat that can cause your air conditioner to work harder to sustain cooler temperatures. If you want to keep HVAC services affordable throughout the summer, look for ways to avoid using these appliances during the day. For instance, instead of using the oven or stove, you might choose to grill out or skip cooking altogether with a tasty salad. Or, instead of using the dryer, you might hang your washed clothes on a line.

4. Eliminate Drafty Spots

When doors and windows aren’t properly sealed, air can easily pass between the indoors and outdoors, resulting in continuous energy loss. If you feel drafty spots around these openings, install new weather stripping around the door and window frames. You might also consider installing energy-efficient doors and windows that offer additional insulation benefits.

5. Let Cool Air In  

After the sun goes down and the outdoor temperature drops below your thermostat’s setting, open up your windows. By keeping the windows open through the night and early morning, you can enjoy cool air without using HVAC services at all.

If these tips aren’t enough to lower your energy bills, you may be better off upgrading to a more energy-efficient HVAC system. Offering HVAC services throughout the Pierce County area, Walter's - Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC can introduce you to some of the most cost-effective options available today. In addition to AC installation, these cooling and heating specialists of Ellsworth, WI, also offer maintenance and repair services to ensure your equipment is running as optimally as possible. For more details on their capabilities, visit this electrical contractor online, and call (715) 273-5589 to schedule a consultation.