Air conditioners aren’t just a convenience, they’re a necessity. A recent real estate survey revealed that nearly half of prospective buyers say that they wouldn’t buy a house without air conditioning. It’s clear that the world is warming up, and we have to contend with rising temperatures day and night. Cases of heat stroke are rising, and as summers get hotter, our need for cooling has become more critical.
Whether you’re building a new house or buying an existing property, it’s important to invest in central air conditioning for your home. You can easily hire someone to take care of your home’s heating and cooling. That said, there are things you can do to improve your home’s capacity to keep itself cool. It’s important to plug any holes that prevent you from making the most of your air conditioning system. Here are a few ways to increase your cooling efficiency.
1. Keep your doors and windows shut
You’ll find it more difficult to maintain your home at a cool temperature if you leave your doors and windows open. Air conditioners work best if all outside vents and openings are kept shut to prevent cool air from escaping. It also helps to plug any holes in the ventilation system.
Some people believe that you need to keep a window open to keep the air flowing, but that’s a myth. You probably already have a cooling and ventilation system that prevents the air from becoming stale. Opening windows forces your cooling system to use up more energy to cool your home. At the same time, you won’t be able to reach cooler temperatures.
2. Minimize sun exposure
Cool air doesn’t play well with heat. Your home’s air conditioning is less efficient if you let sunlight enter your home. While we all need some light once in a while, it’s best to draw the curtains if you want to keep your home cool. You can also use see-through curtains that let some light in while keeping the heat out.
There are other ways to shield your home from the heat of the sun. If you’re shopping around for a new home, make sure to look for one that’s surrounded by trees. That way, you can enjoy all the benefits of natural light without the heat. Consider installing awnings to keep direct sunlight away from the windows.
3. Invest in LED lighting
All forms of light emit some heat, some more than others. Homes that are filled with old lighting are more expensive to cool. Incandescent light bulbs can run hot, which affects your cooling efficiency. They also consume a lot of energy. Make sure to replace all your old lighting with new LED bulbs.
4. Invest in insulation
Structural issues can also affect a home’s cooling efficiency. A house has to be properly insulated to keep the interior cool. Otherwise, the interior temperature will equalize with the outside temperature. Most importantly, the roof has to be fitted with thick insulation. The roof absorbs heat during the day, and that heat can remain inside even at night.
5. Reduce appliance heat emissions
The appliances you use can make some rooms warmer than the rest of your home. For instance, the laundry room tends to trap a lot of heat due to the presence of the dryer. The heat produced by the dryer can linger for hours, longer if the walls are properly insulated. Instead, you can air-dry your clothes outside on a clothesline.
Another area you need to keep a close eye on is the kitchen. Kitchen appliances are known energy hogs that produce a lot of heat. It’s best to invest in additional ventilation in the kitchen for heat venting. You also might want to swap out your gas appliances for electric ones.
6. Ensure proper airflow
Poor cooling efficiency can often be traced to one thing: poor airflow. A poor layout or obstructed vents can cause uneven cooling in your home. To ensure proper cooling in every room, make sure to check the vents and to remove any obstructions. Avoid placing pieces of furniture in front of vents to allow for unimpeded flow.
A final word
Nobody wants to live in a warm and stuffy house. An air conditioner allows you to be cool and comfortable on hot days. If you’re having trouble with your home’s cooling, these six tips are a good place to start. Make sure to have your home inspected by an HVAC expert if you run into any major problems.
