It’s that time of year again. High temperatures in Odessa and Midland are regularly in the 90s, and it doesn’t look like there is any relief in sight. With energy prices soaring, you’re probably looking for some ways to decrease your power bill, but stay cool at the same time. In this post, we’ll take a look at a few tips that will help keep you comfortable in the summer and winter without breaking the bank.
TRUE FANS
Everyone knows that using fans is a great way to keep cool in the summer. Especially here in West Texas where we’re not fighting humidity, ceiling or box fans will get the air in your home circulating and help you feel cooler. It’s also an efficient option because you can isolate the rooms that you’re using so you’re not paying to keep unused rooms cool. As a bonus, adjusting the settings on your fan so the blades spin in the opposite direction during the winter will help spread warm air throughout your home.
HERE COMES THE SUN
You don’t need solar panels to take advantage of the sunshine. Open up blinds and curtains to let the sunlight in when you need a little extra heat, but keep them closed in the summertime to keep the heat from the sun away. In either case, your HVAC and guests will thank you.
KNOW YOUR THERMOSTAT
Don’t just set your thermostat and never change it. Adjust the temperature throughout the day, and the year, to suit you. This can be effective even if you’re only changing it up or down by one degree at a time. In most cases, it’s more effective to use the AUTO setting and flip from heat to cool as needed. In the summer, turn the temperature up during the day, especially if you’ll be gone. And don’t forget about smart thermostats that can be controlled via your smartphone!
INSULATION CONSOLATION
Sometimes a little insulation can go a long way towards keeping you comfortable. Proper insulation keeps the comfortable air inside and the uncomfortable (either hot or cold) air outside! When insulation is lacking, your HVAC has to work harder to maintain the ideal temperature.
APPLIANCE SCIENCE
Especially during the summer months, be mindful of heat-producing appliances. This can include your oven, dishwasher, or clothes dryer. Avoid using these appliances during the hottest parts of the day to prevent your system from having to fight to keep it cool and run up your energy usage.
FIND SOME SHADE
It’s always cooler in the shade, so wouldn’t it make sense to have your exterior HVAC unit in a place that had a lot of shade? Depending on your home’s layout, it may be tough to achieve, but it’s worth considering. Exposure to cooler air will help produce cooler air for your home.
WE’LL COME RUNNING
The No. 1 best thing you can do to ensure your HVAC is running efficiently is by having it serviced twice a year! A routine tune-up in the spring and winter will help prepare it for the heat and cold, respectively. It will also help the whole system last longer, so you don’t need a replacement as quickly. City Plumbing offers a full range of HVAC services, including those all-important Clean & Checks! Make an appointment online or call us today at (423) 366-2401. Give us a call, and we’ll come running!
