Stay Cool Without Cranking the AC

Billy Gafford manages Handyman Connection, a company dedicated to bringing Birmingham-area homeowners the best in handyman and home repair services. In this article, he outlines a few DIY techniques you can use to keep your home a bit cooler in the summer months, without simply cranking up the AC. These tips won’t just save you a bundle on home energy costs; they’ll also help promote better, eco-friendlier living.

As a handyman and home repair specialist, most of my work is conducted in other peoples’ homes. Oftentimes, during the long Birmingham summer months, I find myself stepping into a client’s or neighbor’s home only to be assaulted by an arctic blast of air-conditioning. It is sometimes so cold that I have to return to my van to get a longsleeved work shirt just to work indoors, and this is on a 90% Birmingham day. Now don’t get me wrong, I love air conditioning as much as the next guy, but sometimes people can get a bit carried away. Air conditioning is expensive and your electricity bill will start to add up fast. This isn’t just hard on your wallet; it’s bad for the environment as well. So, in an effort to help my customers save a few bucks while also remaining cool, I’ve outlined a few tips that will keep you comfortable without having to run to the thermostat.

• Open the Windows, Turn On the Fan – You’d be surprised how many people never crack a window. Simply creating a situation where there’s better airflow and circulation in your house makes for a much cooler living situation. Be strategic with a few ordinary fans and create a draft. Another simple trick is to place a tray of ice in front of the fan. As the ice melts and cold air is released, the fan will blow it in your direction.
• Combine Fans and AC – I often see people running several window air conditioning units simultaneously and in close proximity to one another. Instead, try running a single AC and spreading the cool air by using a fan.
• Run Your AC with Greater Efficiency – If you have an outdoor compressor, give it some shade. The compressor is working hard and heating up. So keeping it out of the sun helps keep it cooler. The cooler the compressor is, the easier its job is. You should also be extremely diligent about cleaning or changing your AC’s filters as often as possible. A cleaner AC filter can literally double your AC’s efficiency and save you a bundle.
• Use A Programmable Thermostat – I don’t know how many millions this device saves Americans every year. If your system has a programmable thermostat, use it. Nothing is more wasteful than running the AC around the clock when no one is around.
• Seal Up the Cracks – So many people don’t realize it, but their homes are full of holes. Caulk up the windows and seal in the cool air. This will also help seal in the heat when wintertime rolls around.
• White Shades – White reflects the sunlight, so your home doesn’t absorb all that heat. A couple of shades are a truly small investment that will help save you big money.
• Protect the South – Because of the sun’s angle, protecting the southern exposure of your home yields the most shade the western part of your home. Planting trees on the south side can be a great investment to brighten your property while also keeping it cool. Applying window treatments to southern facing windows also helps.
• Check Your AC Ducts – If you’re air conditioning ducts aren’t properly insulated, you could be losing cold air. Have a handyman or HVAC professional check it out.

A few small jobs and better practices later, you’ll be saving a fortune on the electricity bill this summer. Plus, a few minor repairs and additions to your house always help with raising the overall property value. And of course, you’ll be giving Mother Nature a break too by reducing your energy costs.