This summer, cooling your home in the most energy-conscious manner should be on the top of your list. The best way to keep your energy bills low is to minimize A/C usage. The summer months can be scorching in your Cincinnati area home, so how can you keep cool while giving the air conditioning a break? 

The key is to prevent heat buildup to cool your home naturally while saving energy and money.

• Reflect heat away. About 33 percent of the unwanted heat that builds up in your home comes in through the roof. Dark-colored exteriors and surfaces absorb much of the sun's radiant energy, resulting in heat gain. Light surfaces do the opposite by reflecting the heat away. You can also apply a reflective coating to your roof.
• Block the heat. Insulation and shading help a great deal in blocking the heat. Insulation saves money because air conditioners and electric fans don't have to work as hard. Shading devices such as drapes and blinds, as well as outdoor landscaping, block the sun's rays and absorb or reflect the solar heat.
• Remove heat buildup. The use of natural ventilation during the coolest time of the day can help remove heat from your home. Cool air can force out the hot, stuffy air. Of course, how you ventilate your home depends on your climate and when the air is coolest.
• Reduce heat-generating sources. Appliances and lighting are two main culprits of heat gain in your home. Make use of daylight and compact fluorescent lamps. Appliances such as dishwashers, dryers and water heaters create a lot of heat with use, so try to lessen their loads by using them less.

By implementing these strategies, you can simultaneously keep cool and save energy during the hottest months.

For more expert advice on ways to effectively minimize A/C usage, or to schedule service, contact Tri-County Heating & Cooling. We've provided quality services for the West Chester area for more than 40 years.

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