Shop All
Store Locator
Search
Order Status
Log In
List
CartHere’s How to Keep Cool Air Inside Your Home
As the weather heats up, it can be a relief to take refuge indoors with your AC. But what if your home isn’t as cool as it could be? There are measures you can take to keep your air conditioner running efficiently and effectively to prevent your cool air from escaping. Here’s how to get the most out of your air conditioner this summer.
Perform Regular AC Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance can help extend the life of your air conditioner and save you money on your electricity bills. Before the temperatures start rising, it’s a good idea to follow some basic AC maintenance tips to prepare for the heat:
Turn off the power to your AC unit before attempting any maintenance or repairs
Inspect the outside condenser unit and remove the cover to carefully clean out any debris
Make sure your condenser unit is level to keep the compressor operating properly Check for cracks or wear in the insulation around the refrigerant line as it can affect your AC’s efficiency
Change or clean your furnace filter to prevent clogs from overworking your air conditioner
Book a professional AC maintenance tune-up to keep your unit running smoothly and reduce the risk of costly future repairs
Caulk Your Windows & Doors
Caulking your door and window frames is another way prevent cool air from leaking out of your home. Before you get started, you’ll want to clear away any old or damaged caulk to help ensure a proper seal. A dripless caulking gun and proper window and door caulking will help ensure a smooth, consistent application for a cleaner, more professional look.
Add Weather Stripping
Weather stripping products are handy for keeping cold winter air out of your home, but don’t forget about them in the heat of summer. They’re also useful for keeping your AC’s hard-earned cold air inside. Here’s how to keep your house cool with weather stripping:
Seal gaps between flooring and the bottom of doors with a door sweep to prevent cool air from escaping
Use foam tape to create an air-tight barrier around doors and windows
Apply door set weather stripping to prevent cold air from leaking out and help reduce energy waste
Insulate with window kits to prevent loss of cold air through windows
Insulate Your Walls & Attic
Insulation increases the heat-flow resistance in your home, which translates to less work for your air conditioner and lower cooling costs for you. Attic insulation in particular can have a major impact on your AC’s efficiency: it prevents heat absorbed from your shingles and attic from moving through your home’s beams, walls and air spaces.
There are different types of insulation available depending on your space and budget. Batt, loose fill, spray foam and rigid board insulation all have unique benefits. While insulating large areas may seem like a costly upfront expense, the energy savings over time make it a valuable and practical choice for most homeowners.
Turn On Floor & Ceiling Fans
Using a fan in conjunction with your AC unit is a smart way to maximize cooling without overtaxing your AC. While fans don’t create the cold air of an air conditioner, they can circulate the AC’s cold air output to create a more comfortable overall environment. Set ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise in the summer. This helps to create a downdraft, which pushes the cooler air back down towards you. Positioning portable floor fans near an AC vent helps to distribute cooler air throughout the room, allowing you to run your AC at a lower setting. Oscillating table-top fans can also be placed strategically to help push the cool air toward warmer areas of your home.
Remove Moisture with a Dehumidifier
There’s truth to the old chestnut “it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” Excess moisture in the air creates a damp, muggy feeling that can be very uncomfortable. While your air conditioner will help remove some of the moisture it won’t always be enough. Using a dehumidifier in conjunction with your air conditioner helps reduce the need for cooling because humid air takes more energy to cool. Try running only your dehumidifier and fans when temperatures are below 25 degrees Celsius. You may find that removing the moisture from the air is enough to keep you comfortable.
Install a Duct Booster
Sometimes hard-to-cool spaces can use a boost. Installing a duct booster can help increase airflow by pumping air through the ductwork in your home. There are two types of duct booster fans available: inline booster fans and register fans. An inline duct booster is installed in a section of ductwork. Some inline boosters can be easily plugged in while others will require professional installation. A register duct booster can be installed at the vent in each room and is often a more cost-effective option when you’re only looking to boost airflow to one specific space.
Swap Out Incandescent Bulbs
If you’re using older incandescent lightbulbs in your home, consider switching to fluorescent or LED bulbs. Up to 90% of the electricity that goes into incandescent bulbs is emitted as heat rather than light. LED bulbs and fluorescent bulbs produce significantly less heat than incandescent bulbs, which can help to ease the burden on your air conditioner.
Additional Tips to Keep Your Home Cool
Keep window blinds and curtains closed during the day, especially on windows that receive direct sunlight
Run your washing machine, dishwasher and other heat-producing major appliances in the evening instead of the day whenever possible
Turn on your bathroom and range hood exhaust fans to help quickly cool down areas where showering and cooking have caused increased heat and humidity
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated: you’ll feel cooler and it will help offset balance any potential dehydrating effects from a constantly running air conditioner
Turn off the stove and consider salads and BBQs as cooler alternatives to oven-cooked meals in the heat of summer
Tuck yourself into breathable sheets made from natural fibers like linen, cotton, or percale for moisture-wicking comfort on hot summer nights
An air conditioner can help turn your home into a comfortable haven in the heat of summer. But it doesn’t have to do it alone. There are many ways you can maximize the power of your air conditioner to help cool your home. With a little forethought and some basic measures, you’ll be beating the heat and reducing your carbon footprint in cool, air-conditioned comfort this season.
