5 Ways to Beat the Heat this Summer without Beating Down the Environment

There is no doubt that summer is in full swing--even if the calendar says it's not technically summer yet. We tend to deal with the sweltering temperatures by cranking the AC. While this can cool us in a most refreshing manner, it's not so kind to the environment.

Use these five ways to beat the heat without killing the environment in the process.

1. Refresh your air filter. If you have a washable filter, then clean it at least once a month. If you have a disposable filter, then change it at least one a month. If you have pets or your house is overly dusty then you may want to clean your air filter more than once per month. A clean air filter helps your AC unit to work properly without overexerting itself and causing it to work harder and cost you more money.

2. Clean the coils.

The coils in your AC unit absorb the heat--making the inside of your home cooler. If these coils get dirty, the AC unit has to work harder to cool the house. Make sure the coils are clean and dirt free.

3. Service the unit.
Keep your AC unit in working order by having it professionally serviced once a year. Having a professional check it for leaks, flush it out and make sure there is an efficient amount of refrigerant in the unit allow the AC to work properly, more efficiently and more cost-effectively.


4. Block out the sun.
Keep the temperature in your house cooler by blocking out the sun. Close the shades or curtains in rooms where sunlight may heat up the room. This keeps the temperature inside your home from rising, causing the AC to kick on more often.

5. Install your thermostat out of the heat zone.
Install your thermostat in a neutral area that is not in direct sunlight or near a heat zone (i.e., the kitchen). If the thermostat is picking up false temperatures, it may cause the AC to kick on more often than necessary, which also runs up your energy bill.

While the summer temperatures outside are heating up, you need to stay cool inside, but there is no reason to take down the environment in the process. Take these five steps to make sure that your AC works properly, you stay cool and the environment remains unharmed in the process.