Summers in Brunswick, ME provide abundant sunshine and warm temperatures. Summer heat can be extreme at times, prompting you to head inside for a respite. Here are some energy-efficient cooling tips you can utilize in your residence to minimize your cooling expenses and protect the longevity and reliability of your HVAC system.
Utilizing Natural Ventilation in Your Home
You can keep your home cool by using several natural ventilation strategies. When outdoor temperatures drop in the evenings or when they are low first thing in the morning, open windows and doors to let cool air inside. Create a cross breeze to help promote airflow. This can also help flush out any warm air that has accumulated. Make sure you close everything before it gets hot again.
Using Ceiling Fans or Window Fans
Ceiling fans should move in a counterclockwise direction to create a windchill effect. These fans are exceptionally helpful in rooms that are on the second level of your home, as they tend to get warmer since heat rises. You can also use window fans to help increase the amount of cool air that you can bring in at night or early in the morning. You can lower your indoor temperature by several degrees with this affordable equipment.
Upgrading Your Current HVAC System
If your cooling equipment is reaching the end of its lifespan, it’s time to upgrade to a new unit. Updated technology has made modern AC units very efficient and effective. You may be able to cool your home more affordably than you are now while running your AC less.
You should have our team inspect your ductwork as part of this upgrade. Repairing or replacing damaged ductwork can increase system efficiency and make your home more comfortable. This can also promote healthy indoor air quality.
Work with our team to find an ENERGY STAR-rated air conditioning unit. This equipment meets strict energy requirements and may feature updated features like advanced inverter technology and variable compressor speeds.
Allow our team to determine what size equipment you need. If you choose a unit that’s too small, your air conditioning equipment will run too frequently to keep up with cooling demands. This can lead to expensive utility bills and a shortened equipment lifespan.
Upgrading to a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat provides many features that can help you cool your home in the summer. Advanced learning capabilities allow you to program efficient cooling schedules, minimizing the amount of time your AC runs. You can control your air conditioning system remotely using a smart thermostat, allowing you to minimize usage when you’re away and monitor the equipment’s performance. If the weather changes unexpectedly, this is a great feature to rely on.
Utilize Shade for Cooling
Planting trees and landscaping strategically can help keep your home cooler. You can also use awnings on the exterior of your home to keep the sun’s heat from coming in through your windows and doors. Keep shades and blinds closed during the day as well.
Considering Your Insulation Level
Insulation in your home not only helps keep your home warm in the winter, but it can also keep your home cool in the summer. Insulation keeps cool air inside and warm air outside. Have our team inspect the insulation level in your home to determine if you would benefit from an upgrade. Insulation materials can even be layered to create a higher level of resistance, known as R-value.
Scheduling Routine Inspections and Maintenance
Make sure you keep up with having our team inspect your AC unit each year. We will look for any signs of damage that have the potential to impact the comfort level of your home and the efficiency of your AC unit. We can also perform routine maintenance to protect your HVAC system and to prepare for the hot summer ahead. This includes cleaning interior components, lubricating moving parts and inspecting filters.
Dog House is available for AC maintenance, repairs and upgrades, ensuring your home is cool and comfortable throughout the Brunswick summer. We can also help you maintain a healthy level of indoor air quality and take care of your ductwork. Reach out to Dog House for cooling assistance in Brunswick today.
