Texas is well-known for its hot and humid summers, which can be unbearable for homeowners. While air conditioning is a common solution for keeping a home cool, it can come with a hefty price tag. Let’s explore some ideas for how to stay cool in Austin in the summer and reduce your air conditioning usage, ultimately saving you money on your energy bills.
How to Keep Your House Cool
There are a few ways to keep your house cool naturally. Using just one can help, but using these tips together can go a long way toward keeping things cool. And, if your AC is struggling to keep the house cool, these tips can help bridge the gap.
Use Ceiling Fans
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to keep your home cool is by using ceiling fans. Ceiling fans help circulate the air in your home and create a breeze, making you feel cooler.
They are also energy-efficient and cost-effective, using far less electricity than an air conditioner. You can save four to eight percent on your cooling bills by using ceiling fans. It’s important to note that ceiling fans cool people, not rooms, so remember to turn them off when you leave the room.
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Close Blinds and Curtains
Sunlight can heat up your home quickly, so closing blinds and curtains during the day is essential to keep the heat out. While this is a good general tip, it’s most important to close the curtains and blinds on the western side of your house, because this is where the most intense sunlight comes in during the hottest part of the day.
If you buy blinds or curtains with reflective backing, you’ll reduce your cooling needs even more; these window treatments can reduce heat gain by up to 45%.
Plant Trees and Shrubs
Strategically planting trees and shrubs around your home can help you cool by providing shade. Shade trees can block direct sunlight from entering your home, which can reduce the temperature inside. Deciduous trees are a great option because they provide shade in the summer but allow sunlight to enter during the winter months when you want to warm up your home.
Use Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation is another excellent way to keep your home cool in the summer. Open your windows during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning and late evening, to let in cool air. You can also create a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of your home, which can help circulate the air.
Install Window Films
Window films are thin, transparent sheets of plastic that are installed on the inside of your windows. They are designed to block out heat from the sun, which can keep your home cooler. Window films with a more reflective look are the most effective at keeping heat out, but they can obstruct the view, and you might not love how they look. However, there are more transparent tinted films that will also help reduce the cost.
Reduce Heat from Appliances
Appliances such as ovens, stoves, and dryers generate a lot of heat, making your home feel warmer. To reduce heat and prevent your AC from struggling, limit the use of heat-generating appliances during the hottest parts of the day. You can also use a clothesline or a drying rack instead of your dryer to reduce the amount of heat generated in your home.
Air Conditioning Help When You Need It
Another critical factor in lowering your air conditioning costs is ensuring your AC works efficiently. If your air conditioner is struggling to cool your home or doesn’t get your house as cool as it used to, the pros at Fox Service Co. can help. We can inspect your system and make any necessary AC repairs to help you stay cool, even on the hottest days. Call us at (512) 488-1120 or request service online.