Summer in Missouri can heat up fast, with the average summer temperature being 75 degrees, keeping your home air-conditioned and comfortable can be expensive. That’s why we’ve put together a few life hacks to help you beat the sweltering heat and avoid those expensive cooling bills this summer.
Flip on the ceiling fan
We all know that heat rises, so why not help displace the hot air with ceiling fans? Fans help move the air around the room and help your home maintain an even temperature which can give your HVAC system a little break. By flipping on the ceiling fan, you can raise your thermostat setting about 4 degrees without reducing your comfort level.
Don’t rush to cool your home
After a long day in the sun all you want to do is head home and cool off, we get it. If you’re like most, you rush through the door, set your thermostat to a cooler temperature than normal, and try to “quick cool” your home. While you may think this is beneficial, it’s not. Quick cooling your home will not lower the temperature any faster, it could even result in excessive cooling and increased expenses.
Reduce your oven usage
On super-hot days try using your stove, microwave, or grill to cook instead of your oven.
Check your thermostat’s surroundings
Believe it or not, placing lamps and TVs near your thermostat can cost you. Thermostats pick up radiating heat from electronics, causing an inaccurate temperature reading and can increase the amount of work your HVAC system will have to do to compensate.
Compromise on temperature
Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible during the summer. When you lessen the difference between the inside and outside temperature, your system will have to work less to keep your place comfortable. Turn the temperature up when you leave the house for more than eight hours at a time to help lower your cooling bill.
Don’t close off vents
Closing off vents in unused rooms or areas disrupts the balance and adds stress to the overall system. In addition, doing this can cause leaks in your system and forces the unit to work harder, costing you more money in the long run. Make sure all of the vents in your home are open and clear of debris.
Keep your air conditioner shaded
Keeping your air conditioner in a shaded area can cut energy consumption by keeping the unit cooler as temperatures soar.
Change your air filter
One of the easiest things you can do is change your air filter. Dirty air filters kill your air conditioner’s efficiency, they are the number one reason for HVAC system failure. It’s no surprise, that properly maintained equipment lasts longer and keeps your system running efficiently.
Schedule regular maintenance
Regular maintenance on your system ensures that it’s running at full capacity all season long. Energy Star recommends annual check-ups to prevent failure and avoid unwanted costs.
Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning in St. Peters, MO is your leading expert in air filtration and home comfort. Contact us today with any questions you might have.
Our skilled and experienced team will be sure to guide you in the right direction. Emergency services are available 24/7!
