Warm, humid days and muggy nights can make even the most comfortable home feel stifling. Blasting your air conditioner might seem the obvious solution if you’re sweating through a Northeast Cleveland summer. Unfortunately, that can send your energy bills soaring. Instead, try these simple strategies to stay cool without sacrificing comfort or efficiency.
Strategies To Keep Your Home Cool This Summer
Keeping your home cool without overloading your HVAC system during an Ohio summer requires a bit of strategy:
Use Ceiling Fans Effectively
Set your ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise during the summer months. This pushes cool air downward, creating a wind-chill effect that makes rooms feel cooler without lowering the temperature.
Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
When you’re home, adjust your thermostat to the most comfortable setting — typically around 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When you’re away, increase the temperature to reduce unnecessary energy use.
Seal Air Leaks
Drafts around windows, doors, and ductwork let cool air and hot air escape. Sealing these leaks with caulk or weatherstripping helps maintain a stable indoor temperature and eases the burden on your AC.
Schedule Routine HVAC Maintenance
A well-maintained air conditioner runs more efficiently and is less likely to break down when you need it most. Regular filter replacements and AC maintenance can significantly improve performance and comfort.
Limit Heat-Generating Activities
Avoid using ovens, stovetops, and clothes dryers during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, grill outdoors or run appliances in the early morning or evening.
Close Curtains & Blinds
Direct sunlight can quickly heat your home. Close window treatments during the day to block solar heat and keep indoor spaces cooler.
Ways To Stay Energy Efficient Despite Extreme Heat
When temperatures climb into the 90s, your air conditioner works overtime. An overworked AC system costs you money in two ways: by wasting energy and by wearing out faster. Fortunately, there are ways to stay cool without pushing your system to its limits:
- Install a smart thermostat: Smart thermostats automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on your schedule and preferences, helping you conserve energy while staying comfortable.
- Upgrade to a high-SEER AC unit: A high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating means better energy performance. Installing a modern AC lets you cool your home effectively while using less energy.
- Use zoned cooling: If your home allows it, zoning systems let you cool specific areas without running the AC in every room.
- Improve insulation: Adequate attic and wall insulation helps prevent hot air from seeping in and keeps cool air inside longer.
Why Choose Verne & Ellsworth Hann For AC Services?
With over a century of experience serving Northeast Cleveland and nearby communities like Seven Hills, Bay Village, Lakewood, Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights, University Heights, and Independence, Verne & Ellsworth Hann understands what it takes to keep your home cool and efficient. Our licensed and insured technicians deliver expert AC services, including maintenance, installations, and upgrades, with the professionalism and care you expect from one of the area’s most trusted names.
Beat the heat with confidence! Contact Verne & Ellsworth Hann to schedule your AC service in Northeast Cleveland.
