5 Energy Saving Tips for Summer Cooling

It is officially summer, and much of the U.S. is already feeling the hot weather that is typical of this sunny season. Along with the hot temperatures comes the need to cool homes to maintain comfort while enjoying the summer. This is one of the primary reasons why some urban areas of the country have short blackouts during the summer months. As more people turn on their air conditioners, more energy is demanded from power generators, putting stress on them and requiring cuts in service from time to time.

Here are 5 energy saving tips that you can implement to reduce the need for cooling.

1) Use energy efficient fans. The standard human comfort level for light clothing during the summer is between 72F and 78F. An energy-efficient ceiling fan will allow you to raise your comfort range to 82F by producing a cooling breeze. Use energy-efficient window fans at night or when the temperature of the incoming air is less than 77F. To utilize these fans properly, they should be placed on the downside of your home (opposite where the wind comes in) and be facing outward.

2) Provide effective shades. Provide effective shade for east and west windows. When possible, delay heat-generating activities such as dishwashing until evening on hot days. In hot climates, plant shade trees around the house. Don’t plant trees on the South if you want to benefit from passive solar heating in the winter. Hang tightly woven screens or bamboo shades outside the window during the summer to stop 60 to 80 percent of the sun’s heat from getting to the windows.

3) Get the most out of your A/C unit. If you have an older central air conditioner, consider replacing the outdoor compressor with a modern, high-efficiency unit. Make sure that it is properly matched to the indoor unit. If buying a new air conditioner, be sure that it is properly sized. Get assistance from an energy auditor or air conditioning contractor. In hot, humid climates, make sure that the air conditioner you buy will adequately get rid of high humidity.

4) Maintain your A/C unit. Clean your A/C’s air filter every month during cooling season. Normal dust build-up can reduce air flow by 1 percent per week. Provide shade for your room A/C, or the outside half of your central A/C if at all possible. This will increase the unit’s efficiency by 5 percent to 10 percent.

5) Get a cool roof. Every wonder why it might seem as if so much heat is coming through the ceiling. If your rooftop is black, then that’s the reason why. Black absorbs sunlight and heat during the summer, causing your home to heat up a lot when it’s hot and sunny. To avoid this, simply paint your roof a strong white. This will reflect most of the sunlight and significantly cool your home, saving you big on air conditioning.

There are many more simple ways of reducing your cooling costs. To learn more about them, contact your local Eco-Consultant for a Green Home Makeover and subscription to AskGreenIrene, Green Irene’s library of information covering virtually everything you can do to go green.