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How To Beat the Maryland Heat: Top Cooling Tips for Your Home

July 31, 2024

When the mercury rises in Maryland, your air conditioning system has to work overtime to maintain indoor comfort. That leads directly to higher energy bills that are unwelcome news anytime. Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating shares below some top cooling tips for your home that will help give your HVAC and budget a break.

Protect Your Air Conditioner

Maintain your air conditioner properly to help it provide energy-efficient cooling. During the summer months, change the intake filter every 30 days. Doing this optimizes airflow and reduces the stress on your cooling system. Keep your outdoor unit free of vegetation and debris.

Have Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating inspect and clean your system at least annually to maximize efficient cooling.

Manage Your Thermostat

When you are home, keep thermostat settings consistent, preferably around 78 degrees. Set it higher when you are not at home. A stable setting minimizes energy consumption and maintains consistent circulation for comfort in your home. 

Enhance Home Ventilation

Ventilation and circulation significantly improve indoor comfort. During cooler evenings, open windows to allow natural ventilation to flush out the day’s accumulated heat while giving your HVAC system a break.

Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise during hot weather to force cool air downward. Strategically place portable fans near HVAC vents to improve circulation and airflow optimization.

Insulation Tips

One of the top cooling tips for your home is to check for gaps or cracks around doors and windows or anywhere in your attic, basement, or crawlspace. Without proper sealing, the cool air you pay to produce exchanges rapidly with hot outdoor air. Door sweeps and thermal curtains prevent cool air loss.

Upgrading insulation in your attic and rooms that face south and west can significantly reduce daytime heat gain. 

Optimize Appliance Use

Use your microwave or air fryer to cook during peak daytime hours instead of your stove or oven. Do laundry and run your dishwasher in the evening to take advantage of off-peak energy rates and reduce indoor heat. Think about air-drying dishes and clothes occasionally to reduce heat and energy consumption.

Block the Sun’s Rays

Close blinds, curtains, and shades that face direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. Maximize the value of your window treatments by selecting light-colored and well-insulated materials to reflect radiant heat.

Look into awnings and pergolas to shade windows and outdoor living space. This not only blocks direct sunlight but also reduces ground heating that radiates toward your indoor space. 

Let Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating Help You Stay Cool 

In addition to the top cooling tips for your home above, you’ll also beat the heat with help from the professional services of Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating. We’ve been serving Rockville and the surrounding communities since 1984 with a constant commitment to total customer satisfaction.

If you are interested in HVAC services, including air conditioning and heating repairs, maintenance, and installations, contact Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating today online or by calling (301) 468-2665. We look forward to being of service!

About The Author

Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating

For over 35 years, Glenmont Air Conditioning & Heating has provided full-service HVAC repair, replacement, and maintenance in the Rockville, Maryland area. Contact us today to schedule service.