When the temperatures in Greater Phoenix rise above 100 degrees, keeping your home cool can feel like a daunting task. At Hansen Family, we know how crucial it is to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature during these extreme conditions for months on end. Here are some practical tips to help you beat the heat and keep your home cool and comfortable!
Close Curtains and Blinds
While this seems obvious, it is often habit to open curtains and blinds in the morning to let in natural like. However, keeping your curtains, blinds, and shades closed during the day can significantly reduce the amount of heat entering your home. For added insulation, consider investing in blackout curtains, which are designed to block out sunlight and keep your rooms cooler.
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a great way to create a cooling breeze throughout your home and help circulate the cool air produced from your A/C unit. Make sure your fans are set to rotate counterclockwise, which helps push cool air downward and circulate it more effectively.
Seal Gaps and Leaks
As your home’s temperature fluctuates from hot to cold, it is common for seals around your windows and doors to expand and contract causing cracks that lead to reduced insulation. Inspect your home for gaps and leaks around windows, doors, and ducts. Sealing these areas can prevent hot air from seeping in and cool air from escaping, making your home more energy-efficient and comfortable.
Avoid Using Heat-Generating Appliances
During the hottest parts of the day, try to limit the use of ovens, stoves, and other heat-generating appliances. Instead, opt for microwaves, slow cookers, or take your cooking outside to the grill. Using your oven and stove can raise the temperature of your home by several degrees, even with the AC running in an effort to combat the added heat.
Install Reflective Window Film
Applying reflective window film to your windows can significantly reduce the amount of heat entering your home. This simple addition can help maintain lower indoor temperatures and reduce your reliance on air conditioning.
Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
Adjusting your thermostat settings can help manage your home’s temperature more efficiently. Set your thermostat to a higher temperature when you’re not home and lower it when you return. Programmable thermostats can automate these adjustments, ensuring your home stays comfortable while saving energy.
Use Portable Air Conditioners or Evaporative Coolers
If your central AC is struggling to keep up with the extreme heat, consider using portable air conditioners or evaporative coolers in the rooms you use most frequently. These additional cooling devices can provide much-needed relief during peak heat. Consider calling your local HVAC company to maintenance your AC unit and ensure everything is working properly. An AC unit that is properly sized for your home should cool each part of your home equally.
Maintain Your AC Unit
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your air conditioning unit running efficiently. Clean or replace air filters regularly and have your AC unit serviced by a professional at least once a year to ensure optimal performance. We suggest getting your maintenance scheduled BEFORE the temperatures start to rise. The worst possible scenario would be for your AC to start acting up during peak season when HVAC companies can’t get a technician out same-day to diagnose the issue and make repairs.
Hydrate and Dress Lightly
Staying hydrated is essential during extreme heat. Drink plenty of water and wear light, breathable clothing to help your body stay cool indoors. Dehydration and heat exhaustion happens quicker than people expect, make sure you are taking care of yourself during these high temperature days throughout summer.
Create a Cool Down Space
Set up a designated cool-down space in your home with fans, cool drinks, and light bedding. This can be a great place to retreat during the hottest part of the day, providing a comfortable haven from the heat.
Use Natural Ventilation
Take advantage of the cooler temperatures in the early morning or late evening by opening windows to let in fresh air. Close them again when the temperature starts to rise to trap the cooler air inside.
Insulate Your Home
Proper insulation can make a significant difference in maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature. Ensure your home is well-insulated to keep the cool air in and the hot air out.
Hansen Family is Your Solution for HVAC Services in Mesa, AZ
By implementing these tips, you can help keep your home cool and comfortable even when temperatures outside reach record highs. At Hansen Family, we’re here to support you with all your cooling needs. Stay cool and contact our team when issue arises with your HVAC system!
