Summers in Spring, TX tend to get very hot and humid. You might find yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat to stay cool, but this is something you want to avoid. Overworking the AC will cause its parts to wear out faster, which means more money spent on AC repairs and a lower overall lifespan. It will also result in higher cooling bills. Fortunately, there are several smart tips you can use to beat the heat in Texas without overworking the AC.
Use Blackout Curtains
In the middle of the day, when the sun is at its warmest, blackout curtains will keep your house cooler by blocking out the light. Windows facing south or west, which get the greatest sunlight, benefit greatly from them. By keeping the heat out, you won’t have to run the AC as much.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats let you create customized cooling schedules based on your personal preferences and daily routines. For example, you can set higher temperatures during work hours so the AC doesn’t run unnecessarily while you’re away. This will keep it from overworking and also keep your energy bills in check.
Many models can even learn your cooling habits automatically using algorithms. These versions make real-time adjustments to maximize comfort and efficiency. You’ll enjoy consistent indoor comfort without ever having to lift a finger.
Consider HVAC Zoning
HVAC zoning is one of the best ways to maximize energy efficiency and comfort. This method lets you cool certain parts of the home without cooling others. Zoning works especially well when you only spend time in just a few rooms. The AC won’t have to work as hard, and your energy bills will reflect the reduced demand.
Strategically Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans don’t actually cool the air, but when used strategically, they can create a wind-chill effect. To do this, you must set the fan’s blade to rotate in a counterclockwise motion. As the blades spin, they’ll push cool air downward and increase air circulation, which makes the air feel cooler on your skin. This will reduce your reliance on the air conditioner to stay cool.
Take Advantage of a Whole-Home Dehumidifier
Texas is well-known for its hot, stuffy summers because of the extra moisture in the air. And unfortunately, the humidity can make hot temperatures feel even hotter. Adding a whole-home dehumidifier to the AC can remove excess moisture to help rooms feel cooler. You’ll be able to raise the thermostat a few degrees so the AC doesn’t have to run so much.
Best of all, whole-home dehumidifiers don’t require any type of manual operation. Instead, they connect directly to the HVAC and automatically regulate indoor humidity levels every time the AC kicks on.
Get Rid of Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows
Gaps around doors and windows will allow cool air to escape and hot air to enter during the summer. This means the AC will have to run more to keep the home cool. Weatherstripping or caulking the air leaks can eliminate energy loss and prevent the AC from having to run longer to maintain comfort. If you’re not sure whether there are any air leaks, there’s a quick tip you can use to find out.
aJust hold a lit candle or incense stick near the edges of a door or window. If you notice any flickering or smoke movement, that means there’s an air leak. You’ll need to do this on every door and window to ensure you spot and seal all gaps.
Use Natural Ventilation During Cooler Temperatures
Early mornings and late evenings are ideal times to use natural ventilation to limit your use of the AC. Just open windows on opposite sides of the house to create a cross-breeze, which promotes airflow and helps cool the house naturally. Before the heat returns, remember to shut the windows and turn the AC back on.
Sleep With Cooling Bed Sheets
A lot of people fail to realize just how important bedsheets are to the sleeping process. If you sleep on sheets made of polyester or flannel, you’ll likely stay warmer. You might have to wake up and adjust the thermostat several times to stay cool. This is not only inconvenient but also energy wasting.
To stay cool, use sheets made of breathable materials, like cotton or linen. These sheets promote airflow and wick away moisture so you stay nice and cool all night long.
Add More Insulation to the Attic
Attics with little to no insulation will trap heat and cause indoor temperatures to rise. You’ll have to run the AC more to keep the home cool. By adding insulation to this part of the home, you’ll reduce heat transfer. Your home will stay cooler, and the AC will run less frequently. Always remember to insulate the attic door in addition to the whole attic space.
Install Solar Screens
Solar screens go on the outside of your windows and block sunlight before it enters your home. They have the ability to reduce indoor temperatures by several degrees, so you don’t use the AC as much. These screens are especially helpful in rooms that get direct sun for most of the day.
Plant Shade Trees
Shade trees can do just as their name implies—provide shade. This will reduce how much you use the AC because they block direct sunlight. The best places to plant these trees are near windows, along the south- or west-facing sides of your home, and near outdoor living spaces. In addition to helping with cooling efficiency, shade trees can also boost the curb appeal of your property.
Keep All Interior Doors Open
Closing interior doors stops airflow throughout the home, making it harder to keep cool. By keeping them open, you’ll improve air circulation so the whole house stays cooler. This is an easy way to reduce reliance on the AC without increasing your energy bills.
Hang Out in Lower Levels
As a general rule, higher floors are warmer than lower ones because heat rises. If you spend time in rooms on lower levels, you won’t have to cool those warmer rooms on the upper floors as much.
Limit Appliance Use During the Hottest Hours
Ovens, stoves, and dryers give off a lot of heat. This is why you should try to use them in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler. You may also want to switch to grilling outside or using a microwave instead of the oven. Doing this means less heat buildup inside the house, allowing your AC to work more efficiently.
Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Get the AC serviced at least once a year by a professional, preferably in late winter or early spring. This will ensure the unit is ready to cool your house with peak performance during the hottest parts of the year. We offer maintenance plans with discounts and perks to make it easy and help you save money.
ASAP HVAC offers industry-leading AC services in Spring. Our cooling services include expert AC installations, repairs, and tune-ups.
Call ASAP HVAC now to schedule AC maintenance in Spring.
