Cooling Down for Less
During the hottest months of the year, we are desperate to get some relief from the high temperatures of the outdoors. That is when we seek shelter in our homes, crank the thermostat down the lowest it can go, and allow ourselves to slowly turn into popsicles.
While this freezing home may feel good at first, once the energy bill comes in the mail, your stomach might turn to knots. Air conditioning is no small-cost solution for your sweatiest of days and each degree on your thermostat adds up.
Griffin Mechanical, LLC is here to help you keep cool at home without racking up large bills every month! Read on to learn more.
Window Treatments
Your windows are guilty of allowing in up to 30% of unwanted heat from the outdoors. When the sun hits your home just right in the afternoon, the sweat begins to bead! This is where your window treatments come in handy. Draw the drapes shut to block out sun and keep temperature gain down. Doing this consistently could save you close to 7% on your energy bill!
Fans
Fans are an often overlooked or improperly used cooling device. First, it is important to understand that fans do not actually have the power to lower the temperature of a room. Instead they create a cooling sensation on your skin, making it seem cooler and more comfortable.
So, when you’re feeling warm but don’t want to use more energy, turn the thermostat up a few degrees and turn the fan on. Be sure you’re only doing this in rooms with people in them, otherwise the cooling sensation will go unfelt.
Cook Smart
A large source of heat is your kitchen. If you’re cooking up a storm on the stove and in the oven, you’re adding an excess of heat to the home. Try grilling outdoors to keep the heat outside. You can also try eating cooler foods that require less heat to prepare and that will help lower your body temperature, like salad, fruit, and of course ice cream. If you must use the stove, be sure to use the exhaust fan to move warm, humid air out of the home.
Sleeping Arrangements
Falling asleep when you’re uncomfortable is very difficult, and the hot summer nights are sure to make things tricky. If you have trouble sleeping in the heat, you can begin by choosing a low-to-the-ground bed frame. Heat rises, so sleeping lower will give you a bit of relief.
Switching out your sheets for breathable, comfy, cotton sheets is sure to deflect heat more than fleece will. If you need even more of a comfort boost, try taking a shower right before bed! A cool shower will lower your body temperature, allowing you to comfortably drift off to sleep before the sweat kicks in.
Finally, if the temperatures outdoors are dropping at night, open the windows and use a fan! Be sure to turn off the AC if you do so in order to not waste energy and money.
Other Quick Coolers
If you want even more of a fighting chance against the heat, here are a few more things you can do:
- Stay hydrated!
- Switch to LED bulbs (they don’t emit heat!).
- Place a cold, wet washcloth on your head.
- Eat a sweet, frozen treat.
AC Services in Dickson, TN
A great way to ensure your unit is efficient and cooling your home properly is to schedule regular maintenance with your HVAC technician. Give Griffin Mechanical, LLC a call at (615) 502-3030 for all your AC needs!