Keeping your home cool while watching your budget is a tough way to spend a summer. When the temperatures soar outside, summer heat gain can begin defeating your A/C, and you find yourself reaching for the thermostat to turn down the temperature. And while summers in Indiana will always demand some sort of air conditioning, it works best (and least expensively) when properly installed, well maintained, and in conjunction with various methods to reduce summer heat gain.
One key is look into is how well your house is insulated. Insulation serves not only to keep you warm in winter, but also to keep the heat out in summer. You should pay special attention to the insulation in your roof, and make sure your attic isn’t building up excessive heat that radiates down into the house. Having a professional contractor inspect your insulation should, in the long run, save you money on both heating and cooling bills.
You might want to consider painting a dark house lighter. Darker colors absorb heat, and that translates into a hotter interior. You could also paint the roof to reflect sunlight. Check at your hardware store for reflective roof treatments that will reduce summer heat gain and save you money.
Window coverings are another way to lower cooling costs and reduce summer heat gain. Look for reflective coverings at most hardware and housewares stores. They are usually self-adhesive and easy to install by yourself.
If you have the option to landscape, planting deciduous trees and bushes near the house will help block the summer sun from shining into your windows, plus making your house look better. The added greenery provides shade, as well as additional insulation for for your house.
Other things to try include using fans and turning off heat-producing devices (ovens, stoves, etc) during the hottest part of the day.
To learn more about ways to help your air conditioner cool your home this summer, please contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We’ve provided exceptional HVAC services for Greater Indianapolis since 1970.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
