It’s no secret that Mother Nature has added a little bit of spice to this year’s summer forecast. Like many weather-sensitive Albertans, you have likely found yourself suffering through a string of ultra-hot days that have you begging for mercy (or the nearest AC unit) when the temperature is just too much.
The simple solution to get through summer in Edmonton is to indulge in your air conditioning unit. With utility bills already sky-high, how can you cool off without raking up a pricey AC bill?
How You Can Save Money on AC Bills
There are a few ways you can make the most of your air conditioning without spending an arm and a leg on bills through the season, including:
- Opening your windows at the coolest hours of the day
- Closing the curtains at peak sunlight hours
- Only turning the AC on when your home needs a boost the most
- Considering additional cool-down methods to avoid having your AC running all day
- Keeping up with your air duct cleaning
Let’s dive into how these tried-and-true tips can help you stay cool for the summer without the shock of a hefty utility bill.
Open Windows at Cool Times of the Day
Naturally, your home will be a little cooler between dusk and dawn. Depending on your home’s direction, there may be some cooler periods throughout the day where you aren’t getting as much direct sunlight. During these times, it might be a good idea to open windows and screens to allow cool air to come in rather than keep your AC unit running all day.
Close Curtains at Peak Sunlight Hours
As mentioned, the direction your home faces plays a huge role in how hot or cold your rooms can get throughout the day. Pay attention to the sunlight angles on your home and close the curtains before the sun begins shining.
Hot tip: heavier curtains can repel the heat even more, so consider ordering black-out blinds or thicker curtains if you are having a hard time finding relief from the sunshine beaming into your bedroom all afternoon.
Turn on AC During Key Points of the Day
A common concern is whether to leave your air conditioner on all day or turn it on and off to suit your needs. While we highly recommend not leaving your AC on at full blast all day long (hello, costly bills!), there is merit in considering when your AC is most beneficial.
A good rule of thumb is to keep your AC going through cooler periods of the day, like overnight and early in the morning, at a low temperature, because it won’t have to work as hard when it’s not as hot outside. If you turn your AC on high at 2:00 pm on a 30-degree day, your AC unit is going to have to work overtime to beat the heat in your home.
Alternate Cooling Options for Sweltering Hot Days
We understand that, while air conditioning is beneficial and well worth the investment, sometimes it’s best to use it as a last line of defence. Especially if your goal is to save money on your monthly utility bills. Here are a few ways you could cool off during a heatwave that don’t involve cranking your AC 24/7:
- Go for a swim at your local recreation centre or outdoor pool.
- Spend time on lower levels if your home has an accessible basement.
- Drink cold beverages to keep your body temperature comfortable.
- Go somewhere public with AC and reap the rewards of a free refresh.
- Use ceiling fans or upright fans at night to boost cool airflow through your home.
Schedule Regular Air Duct Cleaning
For optimal AC performance, we cannot recommend clean air ducts enough. It is so important to invest in clean air quality and duct cleaning with Clean Air Solutions in Edmonton and surrounding areas!
Maintaining a regular vent cleaning schedule will ensure that your air conditioning coils are filtering through cool air smoothly and efficiently while keeping the air in your home healthy and breathable.
Keep Cool and Comfortable in Your Edmonton Home
Don’t let the sticky season get you down. Trust Edmonton’s family-owned and operated Clean Air Solutions to keep you comfortable in your home year-round! Get in touch with our team today to book your next air conditioning coil cleaning service or to learn more about the best clean air solutions for your home through the seasons!
