Stay Cool Without Cranking the AC: Smart Summer Strategies

Let’s face it - summer heat waves don’t just zap your energy, they can also take a serious toll on your wallet. Cranking down the thermostat might seem like the quickest way to cool your home, but it’s not always the most effective—or cost-efficient—solution.

Here are a few practical steps you can take to help your AC keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long:

• Closing blinds or curtains in sun-soaked rooms is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your home cooler. This simple step can reduce indoor temperatures by up to 30%, giving your AC a much-needed break.
  
• When you're away from home, set your thermostat to 80°F, and bring it down to around 75°F when you return. There's no need to keep the house cool while it's empty—but avoid turning the system off completely, as that can lead to heat and humidity build up. If those temperatures feel a bit warm at first, give it a week—your body will naturally adjust to the change!
  
  
• Fans are a budget-friendly way to boost your home's cooling power. Make sure your ceiling fan is set to spin counterclockwise during the summer—this pushes cool air downward. You’ll find a small direction switch near the fan’s speed chain. As for floor or box fans, position them to blow air directly toward you at a comfortable speed for an instant cooling effect.
  
  
• Planting large shrubs and dense foliage on the sunniest sides of your home not only enhances curb appeal but also acts as a natural heat barrier. These plants help shade your house, reducing outdoor temperatures and keeping your interior cooler in the process.
  
  
• Permanent awnings and shutters are effective solutions for blocking out the sun, and retractable curtain awnings offer flexible shade when you need it most.
  
  
• Keeping all interior doors open encourages better airflow throughout your home, preventing hot spots from developing. Also, make sure to keep air registers open—even in rooms you’re not using—to reduce strain on your ductwork and maintain efficient cooling.
  
  
• Using a dehumidifier helps remove excess moisture from the air, making your home feel noticeably cooler and more comfortable.
  
  
• Schedule energy-intensive tasks like drying clothes and running the dishwasher for nighttime hours. This helps keep your home cooler during the day and can lower your electric bill since many energy providers offer off-peak rates at night and early morning.
  
  
• Cooking can quickly heat up your kitchen, so plan meals for the cooler parts of the day—early morning or late evening. Using a toaster oven or grilling outdoors are great ways to prepare food while keeping your indoor temperatures down.

Regular maintenance is one of the smartest ways to keep your HVAC unit running efficiently and your home cool. Schedule a professional service, replace filters when they’re visibly dirty, ensure the evaporator drain is clear, and keep the area around your unit free of obstructions to promote good airflow.

Looking to buy or sell a home in the Huntsville area? Mike Manosky is your trusted local real estate expert ready to help you every step of the way. Reach me today at 256-508-0211 and start your journey with confidence!