Maximize Summer Efficiency: 5 Tips
The Summer months are upon us, and with that comes high temperatures and even higher utility bills. Keeping your home cool and comfortable can be more complicated than simply adjusting your thermostat. Here are five tips to help you maximize summer efficiency.
Ceiling Fans
A hotly contested debate has permeated households since the invention of the ceiling fan. What direction does the fan need to rotate in which season? First, it’s important to understand that ceiling fans are designed to work with your HVAC system to provide in-room air circulation, not to change the temperature of the room. In the summer months, ceiling fans need to push air downward, circulating warm air down and providing a breeze effect. In winter, fans should be pulling air upwards, pushing warm air out and around the room without providing direct airflow. These methods paired with keeping doors and vents open will help maximize your A/C’s efficiency.
Blinds & Curtains
Anyone who’s left a candy bar in a car for even a few minutes on a sunny day is normally met with a melted mess. Even in colder months infrared rays from the sun penetrate a car’s window and can’t escape, in turn, warming the car. The same principle applies to your home. An easy way to mitigate the sun’s effect on your windows is the use of blinds and curtains. Keeping your blinds down and curtains drawn during the hottest part of the day can lower the temperature of your house by as much as four degrees. Look for Cellular shades and thicker curtains to provide even more insulation from hot summer days.
Attic Ventilation & Insulation
Air circulation above your living space is just as important as air circulation inside your living space. On a hot summer day, unventilated attic space can reach temperatures of up to 120 degrees. A properly working attic fan or ridge vents on your roof help keep warm air moving through your attic. Additionally, a good layer of insulation will help keep the warm air in your attic from spoiling the cool air in your living space. Blown-in insulation is a cost-effective, DIY project that can save you money on your cooling AND heating bills.
Smart Thermostat
Arguing over a few degrees on the thermostat dial is a thing of the past these days. Now you can use a smart thermostat to keep your HVAC system doing what it’s supposed to, even when you’re not there. A smart thermostat from Bryant can become the central hub for your HVAC system, with daily schedules, maintenance reminders, and smart controls for zones and humidity. Plus, a smart thermostat keeps your system running as efficiently as possible with settings for when you are home or away.
HVAC Maintenance
Regular maintenance on your system is the best way to make sure your equipment is running at peak efficiency. Getting a checkup before big swings in temperature will help ensure that when your system is battling the scorching heat of the summer, it’s keeping you cool all season. A maintenance plan from BNG Heating & Cooling is a convenient way to keep your system in top shape. BNG has flexible plan options and warranties that fit any budget. Call them today to get started.
Contact BNG and ask how we can help maximize your summer efficiency today.
