As summer temperatures rise, so can your energy bills. Staying cool doesn’t have to cost a fortune, though. At Ernst Heating & Cooling, we believe in helping you stay comfortable while also saving money. Read on for some affordable and effective ways to cool your home without putting a dent in your wallet.
Tips for Keeping Cool This Summer
1. Use your ceiling fans wisely
Contrary to what we may believe, ceiling fans don’t actually lower the temperature in the room. But, they can create a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler. That’s right, the same phenomenon that makes us colder during winter winds can work to our advantage when the air is circulating throughout your home in the warmer months. Be sure your fan is set to spin counterclockwise in the summer. This pushes cool air downward. Then raise your thermostat a few degrees and see how it feels.
2. Upgrade to a programmable thermostat
Sure, you want your home to be cool when you are there. But do you really want to pay for AC while you’re on vacation or the family is away for the day? A programmable or smart thermostat lets you set cooling schedules based on your routine. You can keep your home warmer while you’re away and start cooling it before you return. Thanks to the latest in thermostat technology, you’ll also enjoy better temperature precision.
3. Seal and insulate your home
During the winter, you may notice that cool air is seeping inside through the doors, windows, attic or crawl space. During the summer months, though, the air-conditioned air wants to go in the opposite direction, escaping from your home and wasting your hard-earned dollars. Weatherstripping, caulking, and adding insulation are cost-effective fixes that improve comfort and reduce the workload on your air conditioner.
4. Close curtains and blinds
We love a good, healthy dose of sunshine, especially as we emerge from our gray Midwest winter days. However, direct sunlight streaming through your windows can raise indoor temperatures quickly, especially when you have south- and west-facing windows. Fight back by closing curtains, blinds or shades during the hottest parts of the day. This can alleviate some of the burden on your AC, which is trying to keep your home at a steady, cool temperature.
5. Maintain your AC
A well-maintained AC unit runs more efficiently and uses less energy. You can contribute to lower energy bills by replacing your air filters regularly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. But annual AC maintenance should be left to the professionals. At Ernst Heating & Cooling, our comprehensive AC tune-up services keep your system running smoothly all summer long. The investment on maintenance will often pay you back in lower energy bills and a longer life span for your home comfort equipment.
6. Consider a ductless mini-split
Are there certain areas in your home that just don’t seem to be as cool as the rest of the house? Instead of turning down the thermostat and creating a freezer effect, consider a ductless mini-split system for targeted cooling. These systems are ideal for home additions, sunrooms, or rooms that tend to run hotter than the rest of the house. They’re also a great alternative if your home doesn’t have ductwork.
7. Go energy-efficient when it’s time to upgrade
At Ernst Heating & Cooling, we try to work with our customers to find the most energy-efficient, cost-effective solution to their heating and cooling concerns. While we wish we could sell you AC that lasts forever, these intricate machines do have a finite lifespan and will eventually wear out and become more expensive to run. If your AC is over 10–15 years old, it may be time to consider an upgrade. New ENERGY STAR®-rated air conditioners use far less energy while delivering better performance. Ernst Heating & Cooling can help you select and install the right system for your home and budget. We’ll even guide you through available rebates and financing options.
8. Use nature to your advantage
Landscaping can be more than just aesthetic. Planting shade trees or installing awnings over windows can help reduce indoor temperatures naturally. Even small changes, like planting shrubs near your outdoor AC unit, can improve its efficiency by shading it from the sun.
9. Turn off heat-generating appliances
During the hottest part of the day, avoid using the oven, stovetop, or even the dishwasher if it gives off heat. If your family includes a self-proclaimed grill master, let the food preparation take place outside, where it won’t turn your kitchen into an oven. Consider meals that don’t require cooking, or use your microwave, pressure cooker, crockpot or air fryer instead.
Stay cool with Ernst Heating & Cooling
Keeping your Metro East home cool in summer doesn’t have to mean sky-high energy bills. With a few smart changes and the right support, you can stay comfortable and save money. Whether you need a quick AC tune-up or a complete system upgrade, the experts at Ernst Heating & Cooling are here to help.
Contact us today at 618-217-1836 or request an appointment online to schedule your service or learn more about our affordable, energy-efficient cooling solutions!