When summer temperatures rise, so do energy bills. Your air conditioner works overtime to keep your home comfortable, but it doesn’t have to do all the heavy lifting alone. With a few simple changes, you can ease the strain on your AC, stay cool, and lower your utility costs.
At ServiceOne, we help homeowners across Omaha, Dubuque, and surrounding areas make smart seasonal upgrades. Here are some of our top energy efficiency tips for summer:
1. Use Ceiling Fans Wisely
Ceiling fans don’t lower the temperature, but they create a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler. This allows you to raise the thermostat by 4°F without sacrificing comfort. Just ensure your fan is spinning counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air downward. And don’t forget, fans cool people, not rooms. Turn them off when you leave the room to save energy.
2. Adjust Your Thermostat Settings
Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. The Department of Energy recommends 78°F when you’re home and higher when you’re away. Consider upgrading to a smart or programmable thermostat, which can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule. This avoids cooling an empty house and keeps your system from running unnecessarily.
3. Block Out the Sun
Closing blinds, curtains, or shades during the hottest parts of the day can significantly reduce indoor heat gain, especially on south- and west-facing windows. For an added layer of protection, consider light-colored window treatments that reflect heat or even thermal curtains that insulate against outdoor temperatures.
4. Avoid Heat-Generating Activities During Peak Hours
Appliances like ovens, stoves, and dryers add unwanted heat to your home. Try grilling outside, using a microwave, or running appliances early in the morning or late at night. Switching to LED bulbs can help—they emit less heat than traditional incandescent lighting.
5. Seal Air Leaks and Insulate
Cool air can leak out of your home in summer through poorly sealed doors, windows, or ducts. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps, and make sure your attic is properly insulated to prevent heat from seeping in.
6. Schedule an AC Tune-Up
A clean, well-maintained air conditioner runs more efficiently and cools your home faster. Dirty coils, clogged filters, or low refrigerant levels can force your system to work harder and use more energy. A mid-summer HVAC checkup from ServiceOne ensures your system is running smoothly when you need it most.
7. Use Natural Ventilation When Possible
Turn off the AC and open windows on cooler mornings or breezy evenings to create cross-ventilation. Let nature help cool your home and give your system a break.
Stay Cool with ServiceOne
A few small changes can make a big difference in your summer energy bills. From smart thermostat installs to full AC maintenance, ServiceOne is your go-to partner for home comfort and efficiency. Contact us today to schedule your seasonal tune-up and start saving energy the smart way.