Photo by ClatieK
Is it just us – or is it getting hot in here?
Recent years have seen shorter, warmer winters followed by hotter, more intense spring and summer seasons. Faced with a barrage of unexpected (and relentless) heat, it’s no wonder why we instinctively crank the A/C cooling systems in our homes in an effort to keep things cool.
But that habit can take its toll, both on your wallet and on the environment. Fortunately, air conditioners are just one piece of the cooling puzzle, and understanding that is the key to achieving a consistently cool home while also being energy efficient.
When the weather starts getting warmer, your first line of defense really shouldn’t be that thermostat on the wall. Instead look to your windows and ceiling fans, especially if you have ENERGY STAR ceiling fans. Of course, you can also supplement the breeze of a ceiling fan with a portable fan, just as our kitty friend did. Using ceiling fans to stir up an indoor breeze can help you save up to 15 percent on your heating and cooling bills, while keeping your home more comfortable than you might expect.
Cool Tip: Run your ceiling fan counter-clockwise when it gets warmer in order to move air downward and help improve the wind chill effect. Open your windows and leave them up throughout the day to improve air flow even further.
You’ll be amazed at how long you can put off using your HVAC system by implementing these simple steps. When you do eventually turn it on, proper ceiling fan usage will help you use your air conditioning even less. Also, remember to make sure your windows have been weatherproofed as well. Unoptimized windows can easily be the single largest source of energy loss. Our handy window weatherproofing guide gives you all the info you’ll need to eliminate drafts.
Start optimizing your home’s airflow today!
“Open your windows and leave them up throughout the day to improve air flow even further.”
Yes, it will improve airflow, but it will also mean that your home’s air will quickly become muggy, moist, and hot as the laws of thermodynamics play out—especially here in Alabama.
Ha! As an Atlanta resident, I definitely feel your pain in relation to persistent mugginess. But we’re still easing into summer, and many regions across the country are mild enough to enjoy open windows and energy savings. My wife actually doesn’t like closing the windows and turning the AC on until we rack up a string of 85+ degree days. So…your mileage will most definitely vary.
Thanks for the comment, EA!