In southwest Arizona, the heat can stay extreme for long periods during the summer, which pushes your cooling bills higher and higher. Fortunately there are proven ways to decrease your home’s cooling load and lower air conditioning costs without sacrificing comfort. Here are five ideas for keeping your home naturally cooler this summer:
- Lower interior heat gain: This strategy prevents your home from getting hot by controlling what you do inside throughout the day. For example, if you need to run the dishwasher or clothes dryer, or use the oven or stove, wait until the evening when it cools off. Also, replace inefficient light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Finally, add ins
ulation to your water heater so it doesn’t radiate heat into your home. - Shade your home: The south and west sides of your home are hit hardest by the unrelenting summer sun. These are the places you should install heavy window coverings, awnings or reflective window films to keep the sun out. Strategically planted trees can also provide shade for your home.
- Give attention to the attic: Ensure your attic is properly ventilated to allow relatively cool outdoor air to circulate through it. Seal the floor so the inevitably hot attic air doesn’t leak into the living space. Add insulation to the attic floor to prevent heat from radiating through the ceiling. Consider installing a radiant barrier in your attic. These measures can reduce the cooling load in your home by 33 percent.
- Seal air leaks: Well-sealed homes allow less hot air to penetrate through gaps and cracks, which lowers the cooling load. The areas that are most prone to leaking are windows and doors. Apply caulk and weatherstripping around windows and door frames to keep hot air at bay.
- Seal and insulate the ductwork: One of the best ways to tackle the cooling load while saving money and energy is to seal leaky ductwork. With all gaps closed up, you should then insulate the ductwork to prevent heat gain through conduction.
By implementing these five ideas, you’ll see a significant decrease in your home’s cooling load. Learn more by contacting Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric in Yuma today.
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