Wisconsin summers can be sneaky, even lasting well into September. After a long winter and mild spring, those hot days hit hard — and suddenly your air conditioner is working overtime.
The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to keep your energy bills in check. With a few smart strategies, you can stay cool and save money this summer.
1. Close Your Curtains or Blinds
Be sure to close your curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day to block out sunlight. This helps to reduce the heat that gets trapped in your house. Blackout curtains or thermal shades are another option to help you cut heat gain dramatically.
2. Use Fans
Ceiling fans and portable fans can help circulate air, which can help your home feel cooler. Fans don’t actually cool the air, but they make your body feel cooler by increasing evaporation on your skin and help push the cool air throughout your home.
3. Open Windows Strategically
One of the best things about Wisconsin weather is that the mornings and evenings are relatively mild. On cooler evenings and mornings, open your windows to let in the fresh Wisconsin breeze and reduce the need for AC. Just remember to close them before the temps start to rise for the day.
4. Adjust Temperatures When You’re Not Home
When you’re away from home — whether you’re headed to the office for the day or going up north for the weekend — consider setting your thermostat to a higher temp to give your AC unit a little reprieve. If you’re gone during the day, the AC doesn’t need to run full blast. Setting it to 78–80°F is generally a good range and can save you a ton on your monthly cooling costs.
5. Use a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat learns your schedule and makes adjustments automatically, so you’re not cooling an empty house. Some smart thermostats even adjust based on the weather forecast, making the most of cooler days. As a bonus, some utility companies in Wisconsin will offer rebates on smart thermostats, making them affordable and saving you even more money.
6. Change Your Air Filter
We recommend you change your air filter every 1–3 months—especially during peak summer. When filters are dirty, airflow is restricted, and your cooling system has to work harder to push air through. As a result, you’re using more energy and reducing cooling power. A clean filter gives you stronger airflow and the additional cooling power you need to be comfortable.
7. Schedule an Annual Inspection
Coils, refrigerants, and motors all need a little TLC sometimes. When coils are dirty, they can’t absorb or release heat efficiently, so your AC takes longer (and uses more electricity) to cool the same space. That’s why annual inspections are so important. If you’re looking for an HVAC inspection for your Fox Cities home, we can help.
8. Seal Leaks & Drafty Areas
If cool air is leaking into your attic or crawlspace, your AC must run longer to cool your living areas. Minor home improvements, like sealing up leaks and insulating ducts, ensures the cold air gets where you want it.
9. Upgrade Your AC Unit
Don’t miss the signs that it’s time to upgrade your air conditioner. If your air conditioner is 10–15 years old, it may be costing you more than it should. Today’s models are significantly more energy-efficient. Look for Energy Star®-rated units, which can save you hundreds of dollars over their lifespan.
10. Stay Cool With Martens Heating & Cooling
Staying cool in a Wisconsin summer doesn’t have to mean sky-high energy bills. If you’re dealing with AC issues, Martens Heating & Cooling is here to help. We offer AC maintenance, repair, and replacement across Northeast Wisconsin, including:
We’ll help you keep your heating and cooling costs low all year round. Contact us today to get started.