In addition to technology upgrades, wise everyday habits can reduce the amount of cooling a home requires. Small changes in how occupants manage windows, sunlight, clothing, appliances, and the cooling system can help maintain comfort while reducing energy consumption.
Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing indoors can help occupants remain comfortable at higher indoor temperatures. This can allow the thermostat to be set a few degrees higher, reducing the amount of energy required for cooling.
Windows can be used strategically to either prevent heat from entering the home or release heat that has accumulated indoors. During periods of direct sunlight, closing blinds, shades, or curtains can reduce solar heat gain and help keep the home cooler.
When outdoor temperatures are cooler than indoor temperatures, such as during the evening or early morning, opening windows can provide natural ventilation and help cool the home without air conditioning. Windows should generally be closed when outdoor conditions become hotter or more humid than indoors and while the air conditioner is operating.
Temperatures can vary considerably between different areas of a home. Lower floors and basements, for example, often remain cooler than upper floors because they receive less solar heat and are partially or completely surrounded by cooler ground.
During hot weather, spending more time in naturally cooler areas of the home can reduce the need to maintain the same temperature throughout the entire house, particularly when combined with a zoned cooling system.
Many everyday activities generate heat and moisture that the cooling system must eventually remove. During hot weather, reducing heat-producing activities during the hottest parts of the day can decrease cooling demand.
For example, cooking with an oven or stovetop can add substantial heat to the home. When practical, consider cooking during cooler parts of the day or using appliances that generate less indoor heat. Use a kitchen exhaust fan that vents outdoors while cooking to remove heat and moisture before they spread throughout the home.
Similarly, showers and baths can add significant moisture to indoor air. Run bathroom exhaust fans during and after showering to remove warm, humid air from the home. Kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans should not be left running unnecessarily, however, because they also exhaust conditioned indoor air and can draw warm outdoor air into the home.
Lighting and other electrical devices also produce waste heat, so turning them off when they are not needed can further reduce cooling demand.
Regular maintenance helps cooling systems operate efficiently. Air filters should be cleaned or replaced according to the manufacturer's recommendations, while indoor vents and registers should remain unobstructed to maintain proper airflow.
For systems with outdoor equipment, the area around the unit should remain clear of leaves, vegetation, and other obstructions that could restrict airflow. Periodic professional maintenance can also help identify problems that reduce efficiency or prevent the system from maintaining comfortable indoor conditions.