Summer isn’t too far away, so we think it’s the perfect time to review ways to cut cooling costs in your Lexington home. A few key solutions can help help save you plenty in the long run, and save the planet at the same time…it’s a win-win! The professionals at Handyman Connection of Lexington are here to help you with 18 ways to cut cooling costs around your home.

1. Switch your ceiling fan to turn in a counterclockwise direction In the summer; in the winter, run it at low speed, but clockwise.
2. Close your exterior doors and windows tightly when the AC is on. Save even more by turning off kitchen and bath exhaust fans.
3. Change or clean your AC’s air filters at least once a month to keep your system running at peak performance.
4. Make sure your AC has a rating – or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) – of 15. Not only will your AC be more efficient, you could possibly be eligible for a rebate with your energy provider.
5. Make saving automatic: Set your thermostat fan switch to “auto” to save energy. Leaving it in the “on” position keeps air running constantly.
6. Block the sun from overheating your home! Inside, use shades, blinds and drapes. Outside, use awnings, trees and shrubs.
7. Insulate your walls with injected foam insulation to help you save energy by keeping hot outside air from seeping through porous block walls – check with your local building supply company for details.
8. Open interior doors so that cooled air flows freely throughout your home.
9. Repair leaky ducts to reduce heating and cooling costs.
10. Install attic insulation rated R-30 and sealing any attic leaks to reduce high home cooling costs. You’ll save money each month.
11. Check for household leaks to make sure air isn’t escaping through openings such as fireplace dampers, doors and windows.
12. Decorate for a cooler home by hanging light-colored curtains that allow light to enter a room while blocking some of the sun’s rays, and light-colored paint to reflect heat.
13. Close unused air vents. If you have central AC you can close air vent in rooms you’re not using so you’re not paying to cool them.
14. Plant trees to provide shade on the sunny side of your home.
15. Use ceiling fans to cool off for less. Ceiling fans use no more electricity than a standard light bulb. However, be sure to turn fans off when you leave — they only cool people, not rooms.
16. Install more ceiling fans. Because the breeze of a fan can make you feel three to four degrees cooler, you can raise that thermostat and still stay comfortable.
17. Raise the temperature on your thermostat by a few degrees to save on your cooling costs.
18. Install a programmable thermostat to adjust your temperature during the day.

Taking steps to save energy consumption while cooling your home is not only good for your wallet, but the planet as well! When it’s time to install a programmable thermostat, insulation or ceiling fans, call on the home improvement and maintenance pros at Handyman Connection of Lexington! Contact us today at 859-276-1811 for your free, no-obligation estimate.