The summer heat is here in Georgia. And that means many homeowners will be paying high energy bills for the next few months thanks to their air conditioning systems.
But it doesn't have to be this way. There are projects you can do around your home that will lower your air conditioning costs. (And bonus - they'll also help you lower your heating costs in the winter.)
Here are our top three recommended projects to tackle that will help you improve your air conditioner's efficiency and some great guides to help.
How to seal & insulate your entire home
Much of the cool air in your home is lost through small holes or gaps in your home's exterior walls. These gaps are usually found around doors, windows, light fixtures, and electrical outlets.
Sealing these will keep hot, outside air out of your home, meaning your air conditioner won't have to work as hard. And all it takes is some time and a tube of caulk to get started.
Read the full ENERGY STAR guide to sealing and insulating your home.
Why you should read the guide: If you want to improve your home's energy efficiency by plugging air leaks and installing insulation, you should read this first. It will tell you:
How to install a ceiling fan
Ceiling fans are a great way to lower your air conditioning costs during the summers in the Atlanta area. The movement of the air creates a wind-chill effect that helps you feel cooler, allowing you to raise your thermostat's temperature setting and remain comfortable.
Read the DIY Network's guide to installing a ceiling fan
Why you should read the guide: Ceiling fans help the air feel up to 5 degrees cooler. So, running a ceiling fan will let you set the thermostat higher (saving on AC costs) without feeling uncomfortable.
Of course, if you'd rather have a professional electrician install your ceiling fan, we can help you with that. Just contact us today.
How to weather-strip your doors
Don't feel like tackling the whole-home sealing and insulating guide above? You can still save on air conditioning costs this summer by making sure your doors are draft-free.
Read This Old House's guide to draft-free doors
Why you should read this guide: Leaks from cracked, worn or non-existent weather stripping let hot air in from outside. This makes your air conditioner work harder, costing you money. Eliminate those costly leaks with this guide.
Other ways to save
Of course, these aren't the only things you can do to save money on your energy bills this summer. For more tips, check out our blog 10 Home Energy Efficiency Tips That Will Save You Money This Summer.
Ragsdale has been serving the heating, air conditioning, plumbing and electric needs of Atlanta and the surrounding areas for over 25 years.
Ragsdale Air is in no way affiliated with the above listed guides and makes no claims as to their accuracy. For your own safety, please always use caution during any project and stop and get professional help whenever you're not sure how to do something.
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