When temperatures climb for several days in a row, keeping your home comfortable can become a challenge. Knowing how to stay cool on a hot day can help you keep your home cooler and avoid mistakes that may lead to higher energy bills or AC problems.
Do: Set Your Thermostat at a Reasonable Temperature
Choose a comfortable thermostat setting and leave it there as much as possible. Frequently lowering the temperature will not help your home cool faster. Instead, it can cause your air conditioner to run longer and work harder.
During extreme heat, your system may have difficulty maintaining a large difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures. A slightly higher thermostat setting can reduce strain while still keeping your home comfortable.
Don’t: Crank the Thermostat Down
Setting the thermostat unusually low does not make the AC produce colder air. It simply keeps the system running until it reaches the selected setting, which may not be possible during a severe heatwave. This can lead to higher utility bills, added wear, and a greater chance of a breakdown.
Do: Close Curtains and Blinds
Direct sunlight can quickly raise indoor temperatures. Close blinds, curtains, and shades during the hottest parts of the day, especially on windows that face the afternoon sun. Insulated curtains or blackout shades can provide even more protection by limiting the amount of heat entering your home.
Don’t: Let Heat Build Up Indoors
Avoid leaving doors open or allowing direct sunlight to stream into the home throughout the day. Small amounts of heat entering repeatedly can make it harder for your AC to keep up. Keep exterior doors and windows closed, and check for obvious air leaks around frames.
Do: Use Fans to Improve Comfort
Ceiling fans and portable fans can circulate cooled air and make rooms feel more comfortable. Fans may let you raise the thermostat slightly without feeling warmer. During the summer, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise to push air downward.
Don’t: Leave Fans Running in Empty Rooms
Fans cool people, not the air itself. Turn them off when you leave the room to avoid wasting electricity.
Do: Limit Indoor Heat Sources
Cooking, drying clothes, and running certain appliances can add heat to your home. Prepare simple meals that do not require the oven, or cook outdoors when possible. Run the dishwasher, clothes dryer, and other heat-producing appliances in the evening after outdoor temperatures begin to fall.
Don’t: Use the Oven During the Hottest Part of the Day
The oven can raise the temperature in your kitchen and surrounding rooms, forcing your air conditioner to work even harder. Choose a microwave, air fryer, slow cooker, or outdoor grill instead.
Do: Stay Hydrated
Drink water regularly throughout the day, even before you feel thirsty. Children, older adults, outdoor workers, and people with certain medical conditions may be especially vulnerable to heat-related illness. Keep water nearby and take frequent breaks when spending time outdoors.
Don’t: Overdo Outdoor Activities
Avoid strenuous exercise, yard work, and errands during the hottest part of the afternoon. Schedule outdoor activities for early morning or evening whenever possible. Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle, even briefly.
Do: Check Your Air Filter
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and make your AC work harder. Check the filter during periods of heavy use and replace it if it appears clogged or dirty. Also keep the outdoor unit free from grass, leaves, and other debris that may interfere with airflow.
Don’t: Ignore Signs of AC Trouble
Warm air, weak airflow, unusual noises, water leaks, short cycling, and rising indoor humidity can all indicate a problem. You should also pay attention if the system runs continuously but the home keeps getting warmer. Ignoring these warning signs could allow a minor issue to turn into a complete breakdown.
Keep Your Cool with Pioneer Comfort Systems
The best heatwave tips start with preparing before temperatures reach their peak. When you need help keeping your home cool, Pioneer Comfort Systems provides professional AC maintenance, repair, and replacement services throughout the Shreveport-Bossier area.