Mitigating Solar Heat Gain Passively
Air conditioning accounts for more than half of peak summertime electricity bills. By combining passive solar shading with equipment tune-ups, you reduce load on your cooling compressor.
The Ceiling Fan Direction Switch
Ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect on skin, making a 78°F room feel like 74°F. In summer, ensure fan blades rotate counterclockwise (when looking up from below) to push cool air straight downwards. In winter, reverse to clockwise at low speed to circulate trapped ceiling heat.
Clearing the Outdoor Condenser Unit
Your outdoor condenser unit dumps heat from your home into the outside air. Clear tall grass, bushes, and leaf clutter within a 2-foot perimeter around the metal cage to ensure unimpeded airflow.
Thermal Blackout Blinds for South-Facing Windows
South and west-facing windows absorb massive thermal radiation during afternoon peak hours. Close honeycomb cellular shades or thermal reflective curtains before direct sunlight hits glass panes.
Shut off power at the outdoor disconnect box before using a garden hose to rinse exterior condenser coils. Never use high-pressure power washers, as they bend aluminum cooling fins.
Editorial Transparency Notice
Our guides are independently researched by the Raviro editorial desk. We do not accept sponsored product placements or paid promotional endorsements. If you spot an error or have an update regarding local safety codes, please contact our desk at [email protected].