It's still technically spring, but the summer heat has invaded Atlanta already.
Staying cool this summer doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune to make your home a haven of comfort. Take a look at these smart, no-sweat options that will tempt you to stay indoors.
Most of us get through them by bracing ourselves, sticking the thermostat on the lowest setting for the entire season and hoping for the best. However, there is so much more we can do to make ourselves and our homes more comfortable — and save some money in the bargain. Two things are central to achieving a cooler home: efficiency — of the technology we use and of the surroundings in which we deploy this technology; and well planned interior concepts.
Let's start with the new technological investments we can make this summer. Sometimes it seems as though home air-conditioning units just aren't designed to withstand the humidity and blazing temperatures we have to suffer during this region's hottest months. Leaking coolant, reduced efficiency, eventual meltdown — sound familiar?
First, at some point in the next week or so, give your air conditioner the once over. Look to make sure it is sounding and running like it should.
H.S. Paik, president of LG Electronics offers consumers helpful advice when looking to refit their home-cooling system this summer: "Consider what you need the air-conditioning unit to provide and do research before deciding on the product. Important things to look for include optimum cooling capacity of the air-conditioner and capability of the filtration system to ensure good-quality air and, if possible, the filtration of dust, allergens and virus spores. Look at the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), which is directly related to an air-conditioner's power input; the higher the EER, the better the efficiency and the lower the power consumption. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is also very important as a good SEER ratio indicates improved power consumption during summer when the air-conditioner is being used the most. Finally, ensure that the air-conditioner is certified as a safe product and installed by certified professionals.
Over the summer months, keep your home closed tight during the day. Don't let in unwanted heat and humidity.
- Keep your home well ventilated at all times of the day - preferably with the air-conditioner set at a suitable level to keep moisture and humidity at bay. If you live in an older building with a central air-conditioning system that suffers habitual breakdowns as soaring temperatures precipitate an unserviceable demand, electric fans will provide a satisfactory back-up and much-needed ventilation to protect your personal effects from humidity damage.
- AC maintenance is key. Normal dust build-up can reduce air flow by 1 per cent per week. Replace or clean your AC's intake filter once a month to allow for greater airflow and ensure your air-conditioning units and vents are clean and unobstructed at all times. Have your AC serviced once a year to make sure it's running at peak efficiency.
- Resist using a dehumidifier when your air-conditioner is on. The dehumidifier will increase the cooling load and force the air-conditioner to work harder.
- If you don't need a light on, turn it off. Lightbulbs generate heat while producing light and this is highly undesirable in the summer.
Try to keep cooking at a minimum or only at night; minimise midday washing, using the dryer and having hot showers. Humidity makes the room feel warmer, so keep it to a minimum and make sure you turn on ventilating fans to help extract warm, moist air.
Also adding a ceiling fan to a room can help a lot. They don't use much energy, but this one appliance can make a room feel six or seven degrees cooler. Good fans make it possible for you to raise your thermostat setting and save on air-conditioning costs.
Stay cool this summer and stay on budget.
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