8 Tips for Cooling Your Home During Summer Heatwaves

It feels like the only place you can get relief is in front of a fan or AC unit! At times like this, we can all start to feel like we’re choosing between keeping our house cool or saving money and suffering.

You deserve a home where you can feel comfortable, so let’s look at some things you can do to keep cool and save money at the same time. Try these ideas and you’ll be able to stay comfortable while lowering your energy bill too!

Use Less Electricity on Everything Besides Your AC During Summer Heatwaves

1) Set your thermostat to 78°F or lower. If you set your thermostat higher than 78°F when you’re not going to be home, you’ll actually use more energy to cool it down when you return than you saved by having it set so high. Keeping the temperature at 78°F or lower ensures you don’t overheat the space and helps you maximize energy.

2) Keep everything else off unless necessary. Turn off lights when you leave a room to reduce electricity usage. Some lightbulbs create more heat than others, so switch to low-heat LEDs or other modern alternatives. Also, unplug any devices that aren’t in use—because modern electronics may still create heat while “off.” Appliances like dishwashers also generate a lot of heat, so don’t use them when the house is already steamy. Instead of the stove, use your microwave or outdoor grill; remember—hot food warms you up, so try cold meals like sandwiches and salads.

3) Get an air conditioning tune-up. When your AC unit works efficiently, you stay cooler and use less electricity (which reduces your electric bill)! For yet another way to save money, we’re currently offering a $159 Air Conditioning Tune-Up Special on a 23-point system inspection of the central AC for any home. Gorjanc’s trained technicians are service and repair experts—ready to help you while respecting your time.

Hold Cool Air in Your Home & Keep Hot Air Out

4) Close windows and doors to keep cool air inside. This is especially true when you have a well-maintained AC system and the air outside is motionless. But, if there's a breeze outside, open windows and doors during the day to let fresh air circulate through your home. You can also open them at night, but wait until the temperature is around 75°F or less. Speaking of windows—shutting the curtains, lowering the blinds, or installing window awnings can reduce the heat entering your home by 50% or more.

5) Install ceiling fans. These will help you keep cool by circulating air throughout the house. They’re beneficial in summer because they pull warm air up and out of the room and replace it with cool air. Just be sure the fan is running counter-clockwise! If using box fans instead, place a bowl of ice between you and the unit. Additionally, take a cold (or colder than usual) shower, and keep exhaust fans running for at least 30 minutes after to pull out humidity.

6) Check your indoor air quality (IAQ). IAQ measures the air in your home for common irritants and pollutants. If you get sick from this air, you’ll spend more on your health and less on staying cool. Indoor air quality tools—from HEPA filters to Air Purifiers—will purify the air in your home and control the humidity.

Upgrade Your HVAC Systems Before a Summer Heatwave

7) Check your air conditioner’s filter monthly. Excessive summer heat makes the AC run harder and become dirty faster. A worn-out, filthy filter stresses the system while cooling down your home. This vicious cycle means you’ll spend more on electricity to keep your home comfortable. (Your clothes dryer’s vent and lint screen are the same; dust stuck inside forces the machine to run longer.)

8) Add ductless cooling units. These help your rooms stay at whatever temperature you want—even different temperatures for different rooms. A Dual Zone Mini-Split Ductless Heating System installs quickly and allows you to control it with a smartphone app.

Ready To Get Cool?

We hope you beat the late-summer heatwaves using these eight tips!

Gorjanc is currently offering a $159 Air Conditioning Tune-Up Special. Our experts are ready to make your AC cool, comfortable, and clean. Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer! When summer arrives next year, you’ll be prepared.