It’s warming up outside which means that now’s the time to prepare for the hot summer days just around the corner.

The following are 10 tips you can use to keep your home from getting too hot for comfort this summer:

1. Change Your Filters

This helps ensure better airflow throughout your home and it helps block pollen and particulates which are common this time of year.

2. Turn on the Fans

Make sure that your ceiling fans are set to spin counter-clockwise. This circulates air to create a more even temperature and generates a wind-chill effect that makes you feel a couple degrees cooler.

3. Set Your Thermostat at 78 degrees

This setting ensures that your home isn’t too hot, but also not too cold. In terms of energy efficiency, this is the optimum setting that will also ensure you’re not wasting energy and burning a hole in your wallet.

4. Service Your Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner should be serviced in the Spring and Fall. Doing so ensures that all the components are working properly and that the coolant levels fall within the manufacturer’s specifications.

5. Hang Curtains & Blinds

Curtains and blinds block solar rays from warming up the interior of your home. This is known as solar heat gain and it can be minimized by simply covering the windows.

6. Seal Your Home

Check the exterior of your home for any leaks that may be present. Inspect masonry, window/door jams, skylights, etc. If you discover any leaks, seal them properly using the appropriate caulk or weather stripping.

7. Change the Lights

LED and LCD bulbs burn at a lower temperature than incandescent light bulbs. They also consume less electricity. By switching your bulbs out, you’ll save on your energy bills and keep the temperature from rising in the process.

8. Adjust Your Routine

Avoid cooking or cleaning indoors from late morning until early evening as these activities generate considerable heat. Further, open your windows in the evening to bring cool, fresh air in and expel warm air.

9. Inspect Insulation

Make sure it hasn’t blown about or that mats haven’t rolled back leaving an exposed space. If there are bare spots, fill them in immediately.

10. Get a Plant

Plants such as Aloe Vera, Fig, and Snake plant consume CO2 and produce oxygen. They’re great filters and can help keep your home a tad cooler.

Don’t let your A/C suck the fun out of summer. Call Reliability Home Heating and Air at 443-399-8663 for greener HVAC services in the Dundalk area!