Summer is here in East Tennessee. Baseball, BBQs, swimming pools, and beach trips are just around the corner, which means the temperature is about to rise significantly over the next few weeks.
While our area stays moderate most of the year, the summer months can see temperatures in the 90s and even reach triple digits at times. These high temperatures can result in sky-high utility bills, leaving many to ask whether they should just sweat it out or pay to have a comfortable home.
There are other options, however, to keep your home cool without breaking the bank. At City Heating and Air Conditioning, we believe in providing insight to save you money that goes hand-in-hand with great service. Here are some excellent options for cooling your house this summer that help you get the most from your HVAC system.
- Use fans
It may seem like an obvious choice, but fans can make a bigger difference in keeping your home cool than you may realize.
Using multiple fans is an excellent way to cool your house if the temperature is just warm enough to be uncomfortable but not yet hot enough to be unbearable. Only you know what temperature range works for you and your family, but this rule of thumb works in a wide range of temperature situations because fans can cool you down by an average of six to seven degrees.
Fans can also supplement air conditioning by allowing you to dial down your air conditioner by approximately four degrees without a decrease in comfort levels.
When using fans, however, it is important to turn them off if no one is in the room. Fans running in an empty room can waste electricity, which defeats the purpose of using the fans in the first place.
- Be more economical with the thermostat
Walking into an icy cold room on a blistering hot day can feel amazing at that moment. But that air-conditioned bliss will blow right out the window when you see your utility bill.
It’s important to be smart with where you set your temperature on your thermostat. An HVAC unit that’s working constantly is going to cost you and create unnecessary wear and tear on your system. Instead, set your temperature as high as you can while still keeping your home comfortable. It’s difficult to say what temperature is best, so it’s important to decide the temperature that will work for you and your family. The important thing is to set the temperature as high as you can while remaining comfortable.
- Insulate your home
Properly installed insulation throughout your home can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of your heating and cooling system. Without insulation, your cool air could be escaping through tiny cracks and holes all over your home. This is especially true if you have an older home.
Along with insulation, applying caulk carefully around your windows and adding weatherstripping and insulation around your doorways can go a long way toward ensuring that you keep all the air you are paying for.
- Don’t let the heat build up
It may seem like a good idea to turn off your AC and turn your home into a sauna to save on energy costs. But actually, the opposite is true.
During the heat of the day, when the temperature outside is higher than the temperatures inside, one of the best ways to save on cooling costs is to avoid letting the heat build up inside your home altogether. Aside from creating a miserable environment, cooling your hot home can take more energy than if you had allowed your HVAC to run continuously during that time.
- Plant trees around your home
Trees are a great addition to any neighborhood, but they can also make a big difference in your energy bills. This is more of a long-term solution that will pay off in the years to come. Most of the heat accumulating in your home comes from the sun shining through the windows or directly onto the house. So, one of the most efficient ways to limit this heat build-up is to block the sun from shining directly onto your house in the first place. Trees that will grow large enough to provide plenty of shade will block these rays from hitting your home.
East Tennessee HVAC Maintenance and Repair
The summertime can be a great time for friends and family, so make the most of the season by ensuring your home stays cool and comfortable without costing too much. At City Heating and Air Conditioning, we can provide tips and insight just like these to help you save money and get the most from your HVAC system.
Before the summer heat settles in, be sure to schedule an HVAC tune-up for your system. Our experienced HVAC technicians know where to check for potential problems and how to fix them so that you don’t have to deal with costly HVAC repairs. We will do everything necessary to make sure your HVAC system runs as efficiently as possible so that you can stay comfortable in your home as the weather changes. Don’t wait until you have a major issue to get your HVAC system serviced. Instead, be proactive and schedule HVAC maintenance before you experience problems.
So, whether your heating and cooling needs routine maintenance or you’re ready for a new HVAC installation, City Heating and Air Conditioning has everything you need to enjoy the summer season. We’re proud to provide Knoxville, TN, and the surrounding areas with exemplary heating and cooling services and have worked hard to build a reputation of outstanding customer service and satisfaction. Our HVAC company offers HVAC maintenance, installation, and repairs for a variety of HVAC systems. Learn more about our HVAC services by calling us today at 865-938-1005.