The summer is moving steadily forward, and hot weather will arrive sooner than you think. Your main focus this summer may be finding better ways to keep your family cool and comfortable.
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Here are five easy things you can do to ensure that you’re all ready for the summer and have a way to keep your cool even when the mercury rises.
Treat the attic
It may surprise you to learn that the heat in your attic is going to make it harder to cool your home. When the attic is not properly ventilated, the temperature in this space can rise to dangerous levels. The heat inside your attic radiates into the living areas of your home and results in warmer indoor temperatures.
If you want your HVAC to run more effectively, then you need to ensure that the attic is vented properly to keep the air moving and the temperatures a little lower. Add more insulation to the attic to minimize heat transfer. You can also install radiant barriers to stop the heat from coming in.
Call for AC service now
According to the Sustainable Sources website, having your air conditioner serviced is a smart way to make it run more efficiently. Whether you need servicing for air conditioning in Lutz or Las Vegas, HVAC technicians will tighten connections, lubricate fans and check coolant levels.
Think of it as changing the oil in your car and make sure that you invest in this service every spring.
Air condition the patio
It may surprise you to learn that you can add air conditioning to the patio. Portable outdoor air conditioners can lower the temperature in a moderately sized area, and they’re surprisingly affordable to run. Get one for the patio this year and prepare to make the most of your outdoor space.
Consider shade and style
A pergola over the patio looks sharp. Fitted with curtains or draped fabric overhead, it also creates shade. Not only will it keep the patio cooler, but it will also help cool the house right inside your patio door.
Whether you’re trying to keep warm outside or inside, adding shade around the exterior of your home will result in a cooler environment.
Install awnings
This low-tech strategy often gets overlooked, but by using awnings to shade windows can significantly save electricity that otherwise would be used on an overwhelmed air conditioner.
The Department of Energy says that by using awnings outside of windows that are facing the south, you can reduce how much the sun heats your house by up to 65%, and up to 77% if those windows are facing the west.
As you try to stay cool this summer, you don’t have to resign yourself to running the air conditioner 24 hours a day and living indoors. There are plenty of great ways to keep the house comfortable without dropping the thermostat. In addition to staying more comfortable inside, you can also use these tips to help you stay cool and comfortable both inside and outside the home.
This article uses information from J&L Air Conditioning with air conditioning in Lutz.
Anica Oaks
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