As summer draws to a close this September, the temperatures will start to decrease. While you may be tempted to turn off your air conditioner at this time, you’ll likely find that it’s not quite cool enough yet. The following tips can help you stay cool and use the system less throughout the next several weeks.

4 End-of-Summer Tips to Use Your AC Less

1. Reduce the Heat

While it may be nice to get some natural sunlight into the home during the day, you’re also letting in the sun’s heat. Additionally, the glass is increasing the heat as the sun’s rays pass through the windows. By keeping your blinds or curtains closed through the hottest hours of the day, your home will stay cooler naturally. Luckily, the days get a little shorter in September, so you’ll be able to enjoy your home’s views more.

2. Open Your Bedroom Windows

You should be able to raise your thermostat in the cooler evenings so the HVAC system won’t kick on as frequently. If you feel warm at night, try opening your bedroom windows to let the night air inside. In addition to reducing your reliance on your air conditioner, you’ll also be circulating fresh airflow in your home.

3. Turn on Ceiling Fans 

While it may seem like a waste of energy, you’ll actually be conserving energy by running your ceiling fan or a portable fan along with the air conditioner. By running the fan, you can raise the thermostat. Since the fan simply circulates the air that’s already in the room, it will push the cool air from the AC and make the home cooler with lower energy usage. 

4. Ditch Your Incandescent Light Bulbs

If your household is still running on traditional incandescent bulbs, you could be wasting energy in a couple of ways. Traditional bulbs run hotter, which means they burn out faster and require you to spend more money on replacements. Additionally, they give an extraordinary amount of ambient heat, which increases the general temperature in the home. Alternatively, LED light bulbs run much cooler and last longer. This will help reduce the costs of air conditioning maintenance and usage.

Located in Olive Branch, MS, Gary Duncan Service Company provides HVAC services to homeowners throughout northern Mississippi. Their Trane®-certified technicians will help you keep your air conditioner operating at maximum efficiency through seasonal inspections and quality maintenance services. Once the cooler weather fully arrives, they’ll get your furnace ready for winter. To learn more about their home comfort services, visit their website. Schedule a service appointment by calling (662) 895-2023.