Living near the coast in Wilmington offers many perks – from beautiful ocean views to refreshing sea breezes. During peak summer days, your air conditioner may be working overtime to keep your indoor space comfortable, leading to higher energy bills and wear on your equipment.
Fortunately, there are smart, simple ways to optimize your AC’s performance and keep your Wilmington home cool without overburdening your system. By adopting a few effective habits and home improvements, you can beat the coastal heat, reduce strain on your air conditioner, and enjoy lower energy costs all summer long.
Use Ceiling Fans to Improve Air Circulation
Ceiling fans are one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to enhance comfort while easing the workload on your AC. Fans don’t actually lower the temperature, but they create a cooling breeze that makes you feel cooler by accelerating evaporation of sweat from your skin.
In Wilmington’s humid climate, running ceiling fans allows you to raise your thermostat setting by three to four degrees without sacrificing comfort. This reduces the run time of your AC and cuts your energy bills.
Keep Blinds and Curtains Closed During the Day
Sunlight streaming through windows can significantly increase indoor temperatures by warming floors, furniture, and walls. In a coastal home with lots of windows, this solar heat gain can cause your AC to run longer.
Close blinds, curtains, or shades during the hottest parts of the day – typically late morning through afternoon – to block out the sun’s rays. For optimal results, consider reflective window films or insulated curtains designed to reduce heat transfer while still allowing natural light.
Seal Air Leaks to Keep Warm, Humid Air Out
Unsealed cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and attic vents allow hot, humid outdoor air to infiltrate your home, making your AC work harder to maintain a cool indoor temperature. Even small leaks can cause significant energy loss and discomfort.
Inspect your home for air leaks and seal them with weatherstripping, caulk, or foam insulation. Pay special attention to areas like door thresholds, window frames, and outlets. Sealing air leaks improves your home’s energy efficiency, reduces humidity intrusion, and protects your AC system from excess strain.
Schedule Regular AC Maintenance
Keeping your air conditioner in peak condition is vital to handling Wilmington’s summer heat. Regular maintenance – such as cleaning coils, changing filters, checking refrigerant levels, and inspecting ductwork – ensures your system runs efficiently and reduces the risk of breakdowns during critical times.
Limit Heat-Generating Activities During Peak Hours
Every appliance or device that generates heat inside your home adds to the cooling load on your AC. During peak heat hours, try to minimize activities like cooking with the oven, running the dishwasher, or using the dryer. Instead, plan to use heat-generating appliances during cooler morning or evening hours.
Optimize Thermostat Settings
Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible during hot days to reduce AC run time. Consider investing in a programmable or smart thermostat that adjusts temperatures based on your schedule, such as raising the temperature while you’re away and lowering it before you return home.
At Gideon Heating & Air Conditioning, we like to say that our work isn’t just good – it’s Gideon Guaranteed! Contact us today to schedule HVAC services.