Are you struggling to keep your office or living space cool in the sweltering summer months? Don’t sweat it! We talked to the experts and compiled some effective tips to help you achieve the most comfortable temperature, as well as some bonus tricks for getting the most value for your effort.
Whether you’re dealing with a spacious home, an open-plan business setup, or any kind of multi-room venue, these tips will help you beat the heat.
Optimize your energy consumption
When it comes to cooling big areas, energy efficiency is key. Start by making sure that your air conditioning unit is energy efficient by design. If you already have one installed, try to find the information in its manual or online; otherwise, if you’re just now planning to buy a unit, take your time to research and compare a few different manufacturers.
Look for models with high energy efficiency ratings, and make sure they have a reputable, verifiable certification (for example, Energy Star). These units are designed to effectively cool down your space while minimizing energy consumption.
Additionally, keep your doors and windows closed while the AC is running to prevent the cooled air from escaping and the hot outside air from infiltrating your space. You can open up again when you turn the unit off.
Not only do you save money on your utility bills, you’re also reducing your environmental impact (however slightly) because the AC needs to run for less total time.
Learn and avoid inefficient AC practices
In line with being energy efficient, you should strive to reduce (or outright eliminate) any inefficient AC habits. If you’re dealing with a business office or a family home, take the time to talk it through with other members of the household or staff who occupy the space. For one, don’t run the AC all the time: turn it off as soon as the space is sufficiently cooled down.
Another common mistake is setting the thermostat to extremely low numbers. Contrary to popular belief, setting your AC to a lower temperature won’t make it work faster. It only strains the unit, increases energy consumption, and it still takes forever to cool the space. Instead, choose a comfortable setting and activate the unit’s fans to circulate the air.
The indoor temperature shouldn’t be drastically different from the outdoors, to avoid unhealthy shocks to the bodies of people entering and existing.
Split it into zones
When you need to cool large spaces with many rooms, a multi split system air conditioner can be a game-changer. These systems consist of one outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units, which lets you create different thermal zones throughout the space.
In other words, you can tailor the temperature of individual rooms or specific areas based on occupancy or preferences. By zoning your cooling, you can provide personalized comfort and reduce strain on your AC unit.
Improve efficiency with proper insulation
To maximize the cooling efficiency in larger spaces, it’s important to ensure proper insulation. Insulation acts as a barrier, preventing outside heat from entering your space and cool air from escaping. Check for any gaps, cracks, or inadequate insulation in walls, windows, and doors. Seal these gaps using weatherstripping or caulking.
Additionally, consider installing reflective window films or shades to reduce heat gain from sunlight. Proper insulation helps your air conditioner work more effectively, leading to better cooling performance and energy savings.
Better temperature control with smart thermostats
Take further advantage of zoning by investing in smart thermostat technology. It will let you program and customize cooling schedules based on occupancy patterns, allowing for even more precise control.
Set higher temperatures when the space is unoccupied and lower ones when people are present. Some smart thermostats even learn your preferences over time, automatically adjusting based on your habits.
Bonus tip #1: keep on top of regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your air conditioning unit running smoothly. Schedule professional check-ins and touch-ups at least once a year to make sure that the system is clean, free of debris, and operating at its best.
This includes cleaning or replacing filters, inspecting and cleaning coils, and checking for any leaks, corrosion, or malfunctioning components. Regular maintenance not only improves cooling performance but also extends the lifespan of your unit.
Bonus tip #2: consider additional cooling options
In some cases, you might need extra solutions – for example, if the AC can’t be placed conveniently enough to service all rooms. Consider using supplemental options such as portable air conditioners, fans, or evaporative coolers.
These can be particularly useful during peak summer heat. Just make sure to choose energy-efficient models and position them strategically to complement your existing cooling system.
Remember, when it comes to cooling multiple rooms or otherwise large spaces, it’s important to find a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Utilizing multi-split systems, installing proper insulation and smart thermostats, and committing to regular maintenance will help you achieve effective and efficient cooling throughout your space.
Supplemental solutions like fans can also help you beat the worst of the heat and enjoy a comfortable environment all summer long.