That's how neighbors should treat neighbors!™
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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!
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.
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!
Hey, neighbors! Have you ever wondered how those magical boxes in your basement keep your home warm and toasty during the chilly months? Well, let's embark on a friendly journey to... more...
Are you looking to save some extra cash while making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient? Well, you're in luck because this article is all about getting the most out of the... more...
When it comes to keeping our homes cozy during the chilly months, we all want the best of both worlds: warmth without breaking the bank on energy bills. It's a common debate in the world... more...
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!