That's how neighbors should treat neighbors!™

330-262-4100 Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Is your electric bill outrageous so far this summer? Using that hot stove less often will help reduce it!

Summer Energy-Saving Tips

Posted: July 5, 2018 by Andy

As unusually hot as it has been so far this summer, your latest electricity bill probably gave you quite a shock. Naturally, when inside, you want to run your air conditioning so you can stay cool. However, keeping the AC on all day, and relying on it to make your home comfortable, is a significant factor in your high energy bill.

We want to help you beat the heat, and we have some useful tips for saving energy - and money! - while also keeping your home cool this summer. Here are our top six ways to make your home more efficiently deal with the heat.

Set your thermostat properly

When the temperature rises outside, it's time for your AC to do its job inside. When you do run your air conditioner, make sure your thermostat is adjusted to make sure you can stay cool and comfortable while also helping you save money. A programmable thermostat allows you to tailor your AC's runtimes to fit your at-home and away times, and with some, you can even control your settings remotely, letting you optimize when the system runs.

On sweltering days, your central air system will have to work harder than usual to cool the air inside your home. To reduce costs, set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature, but also to a temperature inside that is somewhat close to the temperature outside. Why? Because the closer these two temperatures are, the easier it will be for your system to maintain the temperature it's set to.

The US Department of Energy recommends a thermostat setting of 78° for an ideal balance of efficiency and comfort. This may seem a bit too warm, but it'll still be considerably better than the unbearable temperatures outside. If you're looking to cool your home off without adjusting your thermostat, try our next tip - using fans to make the inside of your home feel cooler than it is.

Use fans to move the inside air

Floor and ceiling and fans are an easy and very economical way to make your home more comfortable - with or without turning on the air conditioning. A fan can make the room feel up to 4° cooler than the ambient temperature inside your home. That might not sound like much cooling, but a fan's refreshing breeze is always welcome.

If you do feel compelled to turn on the air conditioning, don't forget that you can use a fan in conjunction with the AC to improve efficiency! Your AC helps remove the humidity in the air and cools it, while your fans help distribute the newly-cooled air for even more refreshing relief.

Install window blinds

As the sun rises, and its glorious sunlight starts to fill your home, it's a welcome start to the day. But when afternoon comes, with nothing covering your windows to block the sunlight, that same light can bake the interior of your home like an oven.

By closing your curtains (or installing them if you don't have curtains already), you can significantly reduce the temperatures inside your home. You can even find curtains that provide UV and added thermal protection to lower the temperature while also protecting you and your home from the sun's harmful rays. Even low-cost curtains have been proven to reduce heat gain by as much as 33%.

If your home has blinds only, their horizontal slats do let some light and heat pass through. Being able to adjust blinds does provide a unique advantage, however. If you have light-colored ceilings, you can angle your blinds so that the incoming light is reflected towards the ceiling, where it's less likely to heat up your home. Reflective blinds will reduce heat gain by roughly 45% when closed completely.

Use energy-efficient lights and bulbs

Traditional incandescent bulbs are not as energy efficient as newer LED models, and they also produce much more heat while in use. Keeping multiple lights on throughout the day gives your AC one more thing it has to contend with, reducing its efficiency.

The greater heat produced also means the lifespan of an incandescent bulb is much shorter and an LED bulb. So, while traditional bulbs may be cheaper initially, they'll need to be replaced more often and will result in higher energy costs over time. Upgrade your bulbs with LED or fluorescent lighting, and you'll save on your energy bill, and your light fixtures will also help you beat the summer heat.

Open your windows

In many areas, you're fortunate enough to have cooler evenings, regardless of how hot it gets during the day. Take advantage of the cooler temperatures by opening your windows at night and letting the cooler air flow into your home. You won't have to run your central air 24/7, and the outside air will be much fresher than what has been circulating inside your closed home.

Avoid hot appliances

A simple way to beat the summer heat is to save recipes that require your oven or stove top for the winter. Running appliances like your oven, or even your clothes dryer, will introduce heat into your home. Depending on the size of your home, this heat won't dissipate quickly, and this will drive up the temperature inside.

While you probably will still need to use these appliances on occasion, it's a good idea to use them in the evenings when it's cooler or use them sparingly. Running larger loads of laundry also helps as you can get more clothes clean and dry in one cycle versus running multiple smaller loads, and often save yourself time in the process. Just don't overload your machines, or you could cause a whole other set of problems!

 


more great articles...

Preventative Maintenance Is A Savvy Move   |   Is A Whole-House Humidifier Right For Me?

The Best New Year's Resolution   |   A Neighborly Guide to Furnaces

Maximize Your HVAC Tax Credits   |   Why Natural Gas Furnaces Trump Electric Ones

Why Background Checks And Drug Testing Matter   |   Why Is My Filter Wet?

Smoke and CO Detector Best Practices   |   Banishing Humidity Woes

Beware the Dog Days of Summer!   |   The R22 Phase-Out And The Importance Of AC Maintenance

Smart Thermostat Best Practices   |   Severe Weather Can Harm Your AC

Dirty Ductwork Dilemmas   |   Handling Household Emergencies

Why Isn't My AC Working?   |   SEER2 101

Better HVAC = Higher Home Value   |   My AC Sounds Like Running Water

Beware Animal Hair!   |   Air Purifier Q&A

How To Set Your AC When You're Away   |   Save Money This Summer

My AC Won't Turn On!   |   The Benefits Of A Central AC System

8 Handy Spring Cleaning Tips   |   Can I Finance An HVAC System?

My Furnace Won't Turn Off!   |   Before You Buy A Smart Thermostat

How Much Insulation Do I Need?   |   How The Inflation Reduction Act Can Help You

HVAC Basics For New Homeowners   |   5 Common Winter HVAC Problems

Programmable Thermostats 101   |   Can A Furnace Catch Fire?

Staying Warm During Extremely Cold Weather   |   Is A Heat Pump Right For Me?

Is My Heater Broken?   |   Let's Talk About Carbon Monoxide

HVAC: Why It's A Great Career   |   Winter Storm Safety Tips

4 Tasks For The Pros & 3 To DIY   |   When Should I Replace My HVAC System?

How Does a Gas Furnace Work?   |   6 Things To Know About Smart Thermostats

Do I Need A Humidifier?   |   These Mistakes Will Spike Your Energy Bill

How Long Will My Furnace Last?   |   All About Furnace Tune-Ups

How Does HVAC Zoning Work?   |   That Dirty Filter Is Costing You Money!

Thermostat Best Practices: Fan ON or AUTO?   |   Choosing The Right HVAC Equipment

10 Things To Do Before Using Your Furnace   |   What Affects Air Conditioning Efficiency?

Is Air Quality Worse In The Summer?   |   Keeping Your Upstairs Comfortable

The Dog Days Of Summer   |   Help! My AC Is Leaking Refrigerant!

Summer Furnace Upgrades Are Ideal   |   4 Common AC Buying Mistakes

Remove Those Hot Spots!   |   Older ACs Can Be Health And Safety Hazards

Prepping Your AC For Summer   |   Help! My AC Is Leaking Water!

A Bigger AC Isn't Necessarily Better   |   Landscaping Best Practices Around Your AC Unit

How Old Is My Central AC System?   |   Whole-House Dehumidifiers Vs. Portable Units

Air Scrubbers And Why You Need Them   |   Why Is My Home's AC Not Running?

Turn On Your AC After Winter The Right Way   |   Stop Those Pesky Air Leaks!

Why Spring HVAC Maintenance Is Important   |   Copper AC Coils vs. Aluminum

Your Thermostat Can Save You Money   |   6 Furnace Safety Features

Change Your Thermostat Batteries Yearly   |   Super Bowl Party Tips

How Your Gas Furnace Works   |   Winter Heating Safety Risks

Help! What's This Blinking Light Mean?   |   HVAC Maintenance Goals

New Year, New AC!   |   New Year's HVAC Resolutions

The 12 Days Of Safety   |   7 Signs You Need A New Furnace

Trane Comfort Specialist - What It Means   |   Optimal Winter Thermostat Settings

Ideal Humidity = Ideal Comfort   |   Avoid Cold Spots In Your Home

Save Money This Winter   |   Beware Of HVAC Systems That Go Bump In The Night!

Is My Water Heater Dying?   |   5 Reasons To Upgrade Your Thermostat

Debunking 7 Common Radon Myths   |   It's Annual Furnace Tune-Up Time!

HVAC Tips For Pet Owners   |   Fall HVAC Preparation Checklist

Back-To-School HVAC Maintenance   |   Let's Talk About Air Filters

How Does Central Air Conditioning Work?   |   Air Cleaners vs. Air Filters

4 Signs It's Time For A New AC   |   Exploring Your Central AC System

AC Repairs - Least & Most Expensive   |   Air Conditioning's Top 10 Benefits

Does My Water Heater Need Repaired Or Replaced?   |   Protect Your AC Condenser From Bad Weather

Air Purifiers 101   |   3 Factors That Affect AC Efficiency

Don't Let Mold Harm Your Home And Your Health   |   What Type Of Furnace Is Right For Me?

Add UV Lighting For Your Family's Health   |   Stop Wasting Energy!

Here's 5 Great Home Makeover Ideas For The New Year   |   New HVAC System On Your Christmas List?

5 Easy Tasks To Prepare Your Home For Winter   |   Let's Talk About Your Leaky Ductwork

Please Don't Cover Up Your Thermostat   |   Tame These HVAC Scares This Halloween

What Do All These Letters Mean?   |   6 Easy, Affordable Ways To Boost Your Home's Value

Low Temperature = Quality Sleep   |   What Does HVAC Mean, And What Does It Stand For?

My AC Runs But Isn't Cold - What's Up?   |   Is Your AC Prepared For Summer's Thunderstorms?

Something's Wrong With My AC!   |   How Can I Afford A New Cooling System?

5 Easy Tasks To Prepare Your Home For Summer   |   The Problem With A Clogged Filter

5 AC Myths That Are Costing You Money   |   My Air Conditioner Smells Gross!

6 Signs It's Time For A New AC   |   5 Easy DIY Projects While You're Social Distancing

Choosing The Right Thermostat   |   What Does SEER Mean?

5 Easy Tasks To Prepare Your Home For Spring   |   Improve Your Winter Air Quality

The R-22 Ban: Do I Need To Replace My AC?   |   8 New Year's Resolutions For Your Family's Comfort

Using Your Programmable Thermostat Well   |   I Need A Quieter Furnace!

Know The Signs Of A Cracked Heat Exchanger   |   Carbon Monoxide FAQ

What's The Best Air Filter For My Allergies?   |   14 Easy Ways To Winterize Your Home

What's Up With My Weird Thermostat?   |   A Yearly Furnace Tune-Up Is Essential - Here's Why

Window AC Units Can Be Dangerous!   |   Prevent Summer Weather From Damaging Your Home

Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?   |   Keeping Cool In Hot Weather

Is It Time To Replace My AC?   |   Central Air Is The Best Cooling Option

Is An HVAC Tune-Up Really Worth It?   |   Does My Air Conditioner Need Repaired?

How To Reduce Dust In Your Home   |   The Importance Of Annual AC Tune-Ups

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality   |   Reduce Allergens In Your Home

Warmer Weather And Your Thermostat   |   Prepare Your AC For The Season

Time To Replace Your Furnace?   |   Handling Extreme Cold Well

Home Insulation Saves You Money   |   Humidity Isn't Just A Summer Issue

My Furnace Won't Stay On!   |   How Long Should My HVAC Equipment Last?

Tricks To Stay Warm This Winter   |   Winterize Your HVAC System

Don't Close Those Vents!   |   Phew! Furnace Smells You Shouldn't Ignore

Leave Furnace Repair And Installs To Us   |   Preventative Maintenance Matters

4 Important Tasks Before You Use Your Furnace   |   Prepare Your Home For Fall And Winter

Caulk And Seal Like A Pro!   |   Dealing With Extreme Heat

Don't Neglect Your Furnace In The Summer!   |   Preventing And Dealing With Water Damage

Why You Should Test Your Air Quality   |   Smart HVAC Technology For Your Home

Keep Your Vents Clean And Stylish   |   Save Money With A Home Energy Audit

Why Is My AC System Blowing Warm Air?   |   Reduce Humidity To Stay Cool

Summer Energy-Saving Tips   |   Create An Allergy-Free Home

Is My Air Conditioner Low On Refrigerant?   |   4 Essential HVAC Safety Tips

16 Easy Spring Tasks To Save You Money   |   My Air Conditioner Is So Noisy!

5 Ways To Stay Cool This Summer   |   4 Common AC Problems

Spring Cleaning Checklist   |   The Importance Of A Clean AC Condenser Coil

Improve Your Home's Indoor Air Quality   |   Prepare Your Cooling System For Summer

Why Is This Room Warmer Than The Rest Of My Home?   |   Retire Your Old Thermostat

About Our Blog

Containing the most current and easy-to-read expert information in the world of heating and cooling, our blog is intended to help you stay "in the know" and make the best decisions when it comes to keeping your home and family comfortable and your HVAC system trouble-free. That's how neighbors should treat neighbors!™

Recent Posts

Why Choose Hey Neighbor?

We're committed to providing fast friendly emergency service 24 hours a day 7 days a week for residential heating and air conditioning systems in Wooster, Millersburg and the surrounding areas.

Our 24-hour emergency on-call service means you'll never have to go through another cold winter night or a hot, humid summer day. We service residents of Wayne and Holmes counties with no after-hours or overtime fees, so you'll never have to worry about paying extra because your furnace or air conditioner decided it wanted to quit on the weekend or a holiday!

Our service trucks are ready for your emergency after-hours service call with over 5000 stocked parts so you don't have to wait for us to chase down the parts you need.

Expert Local Service

Furnace and AC Repair

Furnace and AC Repair

Fast and done right the first time

We'll keep your Wayne County furnace running smoothly, and we service gas and electric heaters, heat pumps, ductless mini-split systems and more. Our local, licensed, friendly HVAC technicians drive fully-stocked service vans so when we troubleshoot your Holmes County HVAC system and find a faulty part, we can replace it right then! Whatever you need in the area of heating and cooling repair in Wooster, Millersburg, and the surrounding areas, we've got you covered!

Installs and Upgrades

Installs and Upgrades

The right system for your home

Whether you're a homeowner in Rittman who's in the market for a new, high-efficiency furnace, a mobile home owner in Shreve who's tired of baking in the summertime or you're a property manager in Dalton looking to replace old, temperamental air conditioning systems in apartments with new reliable units, our experience enables us to quickly and accurately assess your HVAC needs. You'll get the new furnace install and central air conditioning upgrade that's right for you.

System Maintenance

System Maintenance

Protect your investment

While we don't mind visiting your home for a dead-of-winter breakdown (it's what we do), we want to help you avoid that unfortunate situation altogether. That's why we offer affordable Wayne and Holmes County seasonal HVAC maintenance to reduce the future need for heating and cooling repairs. Our thorough inspections catch little problems before they become big ones. An annual HVAC tune-up by one of our expert techs saves you money, time, and stress!

Latest HVAC Articles

Don't neglect your HVAC system investment - enroll in our Preventative Maintenance Program today and protect it year-round!
Feb 26, 2024

Preventative Maintenance Is A Savvy Move

Are you ready to keep your cool (or stay cozy warm) all year round? Well, listen up, because we've got some insider tips on how to make that happen hassle-free. Let's talk about HVAC... more...

Our comfort experts explain why these therapeutic devices can greatly enhance your family's health and well-being.
Jan 29, 2024

Is A Whole-House Humidifier Right For Me?

If you're wondering whether or not a whole-house humidifier is the missing piece to your cozy home puzzle, you've come to the right place. Today, let's embark on a journey to explore... more...

Let's talk about why upgrading to a new, high-efficiency HVAC system is the best new year's resolution!
Dec 26, 2023

The Best New Year's Resolution

As we bid farewell to the old and usher in the new, it's time to consider a resolution that not only promises year-round comfort but also puts more green in your pocket. Imagine a... more...

Schedule service

Communities We Serve

Wayne County, Ohio ~ Apple Creek, Ohio 44606 ~ Armstrong, Ohio 44214 ~ Burbank, Ohio 44214 ~ Burton City, Ohio 44667 ~ Congress, Ohio 44287 ~ Craigton, Ohio 44676 ~ Creston, Ohio 44217 ~ Dalton, Ohio 44618 ~ Doylestown, Ohio 44230 ~ Easton, Ohio 44270 ~ Fredericksburg, Ohio 44627 ~ Funk, Ohio 44691 ~ Kidron, Ohio 44636 ~ Lattasburg, Ohio 44287 ~ Marshallville, Ohio 44645 ~ Mount Eaton, Ohio 44569 ~ Orrville, Ohio 44667 ~ Pleasant Home, Ohio 44287 ~ Riceland, Ohio 44667 ~ Rittman, Ohio 44270 ~ Shreve, Ohio 44676 ~ Smithville, Ohio 44677 ~ Sterling, Ohio 44276 ~ West Salem, Ohio 44287 ~ Wooster, Ohio 44691 ~ and more!

Holmes County, Ohio ~ Baltic, Ohio 43804 ~ Becks Mills, Ohio 44654 ~ Berlin, Ohio 44654 ~ Charm, Ohio 44654 ~ Farmerstown, Ohio 43804 ~ Glenmont, Ohio 44628 ~ Holmesville, Ohio 44633 ~ Killbuck, Ohio 44637 ~ Lakeville, Ohio 44638 ~ Millersburg, Ohio 44654 ~ Mount Hope, Ohio 44627 ~ Nashville, Ohio 44611 ~ Saltillo, Ohio 44654 ~ Stillwell, Ohio 44637 ~ Trail, Ohio 44624 ~ Walnut Creek, Ohio 44681 ~ Winesburg, Ohio 44624 ~ and more!