Energy Efficient Cooling Tips

by George Karonis

Did you know that almost half of the energy your household consumes goes to power heating and cooling systems? This figure is probably even higher during hot summers when you’re struggling to keep cool inside.

Because of how much energy our cooling systems consume, by making small changes to increase energy efficiency, we can create big energy savings. Below, we’ll go over some ways to make your cooling more energy-efficient.

Use Your Windows
Your windows play a big role in the heating and cooling of your home. Here are some ways you can use your windows to stay cool without using much energy (if any):

  • Open your windows. Opening up windows throughout the home when it’s not too hot out will allow for passive ventilation to occur so that a breeze can move through the home, keeping you cool.
  • Optimize blinds and curtains. Keeping the sun out is a great way to stay cool without using any energy. Draw blinds and curtains in unused rooms to keep temperatures low.
  • Install a solar screen. Go a step further and get a solar screen if you really want to keep the sun out. Solar screens are designed specifically to block the heat of the sun from entering the home.
  • Use window films. Window films are a good option if you want to keep the heat out, but also don’t want to block your views. Window films prevent solar heat from getting through windows, while also blocking glare and ultraviolet radiation.

Prevent Hot Air Leaks
To stay cool, you want to keep the cool air in and the hot air out. However, if your home isn’t properly insulated, hot air will find its way in and require you to use more energy to stay cool inside.

Follow these steps to prevent hot air leaks: 

  • Seal cracks and openings to prevent hot air from getting in. Seal your weather ducts as well.
  • Add weatherstripping or caulk around doors and windows.
  • Install an attic fan to keep the attic cool and prevent it from warming up the rest of your home.

Energy-Efficient Practices
Follow these practices to keep cool the energy-efficient way: 

  • To stay cool and use less energy, consider drying your clothes on a clothing rack.
  • Switch to energy-efficient appliances and use energy-efficient lightbulbs.
  • Don’t use energy-intensive appliances during the heat of the day.

Whole House Fans
While using an attic fan and garage exhaust fan is a great way to keep your attic and garage cool and dry, and prevent hot air leaks, the best way to keep your home cool and ventilated is a whole house fan.

Whole house fans ventilate the entire house without consuming much energy. They’re an extremely energy-efficient option for the home and can be used to replace or supplement existing cooling systems, like air conditioning, to reduce energy usage.

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