Smart Strategies to Stay Cool All Summer

The end of summer and early fall can be hot, hot, hot. These smart strategies will help prep the house and beat the heat, so you don’t have to lose your cool.

Keep the cool in

Seal off areas so the cool air doesn’t escape. Air loves to sneak out through leaks and cracks in windows and doors. Have the house inspected and seal off gaps with weather-stripping, liners or insulation to keep the cool in, feel more comfortable and lower the bills.

Cool off

Let the wind do its work. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) states that a ceiling fan can help a room feel up to 10 degrees cooler, while using 10 percent less energy than a central air conditioner.* Start the breeze (counterclockwise is recommended) with a good fan—look for the Energy Star label, which moves air 20 percent more efficiently on average than standard models.** And don’t forget to turn the fan off when you leave the room, no reason to pay for the breeze when you’re not enjoying it.

Clean the air

If you have A/C, don’t make the system work harder than it has to. Swap your air filter for a fresh one—Filtrete™ Smart Air Filters capture dust, allergens and unwanted particles to get that cold air flowing stronger and cleaner. Plus, the filter’s compatibility with our Smart App means you can have everyday intel on the life of your filter and air quality around you.

Set it and forget it

Use a programmable thermostat to keep things cool and efficient. The NRDC says by properly using a thermostat, annual savings can be up to $180, while helping the house stay comfortable.* Dial the A/C back while you’re gone and set it to kick in and cool things down by the time you walk back in the door.

Cover up windows

Windows obviously bring in hot sunlight. Add new window coverings to perk them up and block the rays. Anything from heavier draperies to wood shutters in living areas to blackout shades in bedrooms can block the hot, harsh sun and instantly cool down a room—not to mention refresh your home décor.

Sources:

* https://www.nrdc.org/experts/lauren-urbanek/whats-cooler-being-cool-energy-efficiency

** https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=manuf_res.web_based_tools_prodspec