As temperatures rise during the scorching Michigan summer, it’s important to find effective ways to keep your home cool without increasing your energy bills. There are various energy-efficient methods that can help you maintain a comfortable indoor environment, ranging from the optimization of your AC systems, to simple day to day adjustments. Keep reading for valuable tips on staying cool without energy strain.

Optimize Your Air Conditioning System

It’s important to clean or replace air filters in your AC system every 3-6 months. Clogged filters obstruct airflow, reducing performance. Additionally, consider installing a programmable thermostat. These thermostats allow you to set your AC to higher temperatures when you’re away to reduce energy consumption, and to cool your home before you return.

Make it Green

Bring more plants into your home for natural temperature control. Plants undergo a process called ‘transpiration’, which releases moisture. This moisture then evaporates from the leaves and cools the surrounding air. Plants also help maintain humidity in your home, and can block direct sunlight from windows depending on their placement.

Consider Tinted Window Covers

Tinted window covers are an eco-friendly solution with plenty of benefits. These covers can block solar heat by absorbing incoming sunlight, provide UV protection, reduce sun glare, and more. You can purchase covers with different tint levels, depending on your taste and needs.

Make Proper Use of Fans

Ensure that your overhead fans are set to spin counterclockwise, rather than clockwise. This will continuously create a breeze and push down heat. Another good option is to use a window fan at night to pull cooler air in. This has the added benefit of circulating fresh air and lowering carbon monoxide levels in your home!

Unplug Devices

As a rule of thumb: if you aren’t using them, unplug them. Laptops, chargers, small kitchen appliances… Not only does this save you from phantom energy drain, but it eliminates the additional heat that they put into your home.