When evaluating how to stay cool in the heat, it's tempting to crank up the air conditioning to keep your home comfortable. However, running your air conditioner all day can result in sky-high energy bills. Luckily, there are several simple DIY projects you can do to reduce your air conditioning costs without sacrificing comfort. Here are some ideas to get you started.
How to Keep the House Cool in Summer: DIY Options
Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks cause cool air to escape and hot air to enter your home, making your air conditioning system work harder than it should. Sealing air leaks is a simple DIY project that significantly reduces energy bills. Check around windows, doors, and vents for any gaps or cracks, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
Insulate Your Home
Insulating your home will prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering. This is especially important in attics, where heat tends to accumulate. Adding insulation to your attic is a relatively easy DIY project that can save you money on energy bills and keep your home cool.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat will help you save money on your energy bills by automatically adjusting the temperature when you're away or asleep. You can program the thermostat to turn off the air conditioning when you're not home or to increase the temperature at night when it's cooler outside.
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans will circulate air and create a cool breeze, making your home feel cooler without relying heavily on air conditioning. You can also adjust the direction of the fan blades to push warm air upward or downward, depending on the season.
Plant Trees and Shrubs
Planting trees and shrubs around your home can provide shade and reduce the amount of heat that enters your home. This is a great option for how to keep your home cool in the summer naturally. It helps your air conditioning system work less, resulting in lower energy bills. Be sure to plant trees and shrubs on the east and west sides of your home for maximum shade.
Use Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains can block sunlight and prevent heat from entering your home, making it easier for your air conditioning system to keep your home cool. They also provide privacy and can reduce outside noise.
Save Money on Your Air Conditioning Bills
Learning how to reduce your air conditioning costs doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. By doing these simple DIY projects, you can save money on your energy bills and keep your home cool and comfortable. Having an AC that’s working efficiently is also essential to lowering your cooling costs. For help with air conditioning repairs (if your AC is struggling to keep the house cool) or installation of a new air conditioning system, call the pros at Allen’s at (270) 946-1525 or request service online.