{"id":4466,"date":"2024-05-28T13:32:27","date_gmt":"2024-05-28T18:32:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/?p=4466"},"modified":"2024-05-28T13:32:29","modified_gmt":"2024-05-28T18:32:29","slug":"summer-in-pa-cooling-prep-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paenergyratings.com\/blog\/summer-in-pa-cooling-prep-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer in PA – Cooling Prep Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Lower Cooling Costs This Summer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Summer heat is starting early this year. Learn how to cut your cooling costs this summer with these energy efficiency tips.<\/em><\/center><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It’s almost summertime, and this year is set to potentially be the hot, humid and gross<\/a>. And unfortunately, keeping cool using your AC can seem impossible without incurring a high electricity bill<\/a>. But we’ve got some great cooling tips to help you stay frosty this summer. And, also how to get the cheapest electric rates<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspect and Maintain Your AC<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inspecting and maintaining your AC<\/a> will help it run efficiently. That way, you’ll save on energy costs and cool your home easily. The easiest things you can do to maintain your AC are changing the filters, cleaning the outside condenser coils, and ensuring good airflow around it.

First, check your air filters. Did you know that replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%? Not to mention, changing a dirty filter can greatly improve you air quality. Check filters every 30 days or so, according to your system’s manufacturer instructions.

Next up is to inspect your condensing coils. An air conditioner\u2019s outside condensing coils help it change warm air into cool air.\u00a0Clean and inspect your condensing coils once or twice a year. For tough cleaning jobs, use a foaming coil cleaner and wash it away with your garden hose. And don’t forget to remove any brush or leaves that might be blocking airflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, ensure good airflow throughout your home by keeping all of your vents clear of obstructions and open. Closing off unused rooms can seem like a good idea, but it can unbalance your home’s ventilation system. This can lead to uneven temperatures and in extreme cases possibly damage your HVAC! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prep By Pre Cooling Your Home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before the heat begins building on really hot days, you can prep your home by pre-cooling during off peak hours<\/a>. Run your AC after<\/em> 9 pm and before <\/em>9 am. Then, during peak hours, raise your home’s thermostat to cut your AC’s runtime. This way, your home will take longer to heat up when the sun is beating down.

Additionally, avoid running other appliances during peak hours. Using an oven, dryer, or other large appliances can heat up your home. Try washing clothes and dishes at night, using an air fryer to cook, or hanging your laundry outside to dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cooling without Summer AC Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a few other things you can do to keep cool without AC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n