When a heat wave strikes Midland, North Carolina, you don’t want to suffer inside your own home. Fortunately, you can keep cool without sacrificing money or time as long as you’re willing to think creatively. These strategies can work together with your air conditioner to save money during the next Midland heat wave.
Limit Sun and Heat Exposure
Every time you open a door or window, cool air escapes. To keep your energy costs down, seal off your home as well as possible. Limit the number of times your family members open doors, and encourage them to open and close the doors quickly. Install window treatments that block sunlight and heat, so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard. Blinds work well, but blackout curtains or drapes might offer even more cost savings.
Test Higher Temperatures
You can keep cool by drinking icy beverages, turning on ceiling fans, and wearing light, loose-fitting clothing. Try turning up the thermostat a degree or two. If you find that temperature tolerable, you’ve just found a new way to save money. Keep increasing the temperature by a degree until you reach a level that makes you sweat, then stop.
Run Appliances at Night
Your home’s appliances, from your dishwasher to your clothes dryer, produce heat, making your home less comfortable while increasing your energy bills. If you need to use these appliances, run them at night. Many utilities lower their prices per kilowatt-hour in the evenings, and your home cools off after the sun goes down. Cooking in the late evening can also prove beneficial, especially if you need to use the oven or stove.
A Midland heat wave can test your endurance, but by following some of these tips, you can make your home a cool sanctuary without hitting your wallet too hard. We can also inspect your air conditioner to make sure it’s running efficiently. Just call Ross & Witmer at 704-392-6188 to schedule a service visit.