Whether you don’t have an air conditioner or you just want to save some money, there are plenty of ways to beat the summer heat without relying on AC.

Ceiling fans can work wonders as part of a DIY air conditioning system, as long as they are rotated in the correct direction (counterclockwise in summer and clockwise in winter) to push down on the air.

1. Turn Your Ceiling Fan Counterclockwise

With summer quickly approaching, you’re probably looking for a few ways to beat the heat. You’ll want to make sure your air conditioning is working well and that you’re staying hydrated.

One way to do this is by turning your ceiling fan counterclockwise, which creates a cool breeze and reduces the need for air conditioning. This can save you money on your utility bills and makes you feel significantly cooler.

In addition to helping keep you cool, your fan can also help distribute warm air around your home. Changing your fan’s direction will help you save 15% to 40% on your air conditioning costs this summer and next winter.

2. Close Your Curtains

The right curtains will help you cool down on hot summer days. They also provide a sense of privacy and create a calming atmosphere inside your home.

The best part is that a well-made pair can save you money on your energy bills. If you’re not too keen on the idea of sewing up a new pair, consider investing in thermal room darkening curtains or blinds with solar and honeycomb technology.

Depending on your climate, your home’s characteristics, and the weather, it may be best to try a little bit of everything. If you’re not able to implement any of these hacks, consider buying a portable air conditioner or hiring a handyman. Regardless of your options, these 5 Easy DIY Air Conditioning Hacks to Beat the Heat This Summer should help you stay cool and comfortable all season long.

3. Turn Off the Lights

If you’re looking to reduce your energy bills and get ahead of the summer heat, one of the best ways to do it is by turning off the lights. You’ll not only save money on your utility bill, but you’ll also extend the life of your light bulbs and buy them less often.

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4. Turn Off the Oven

When you’re cooking, the last thing you want is your oven to be wasting energy. This is why the best way to save money on your electric bill is to turn off your oven. This will also help reduce your carbon footprint and keep you from racking up high bills for heating your home.

A lot of people are under the impression that turning off your oven will make it worse, but that’s not always the case. For instance, many models offer a power-saving mode that will reduce your energy consumption and cut down on your bills. The best part is you can activate this mode by merely unplugging the appliance or flipping the circuit breaker. To find out if your appliance is power-saving or not, check your user manual.

5. Add Insulation to Your Attic

Your attic is the largest void in your home’s thermal barrier, and insulating it can help keep you cool by slowing down the transfer of heat between the outside air and the inside.

The Department of Energy estimates that a properly insulated attic can shave 10 to 50 percent off your heating bill during the coldest months of the year. It can also help stabilize your house’s indoor temperature during hot weather.

Adding insulation is a do-it-yourself project that’s easy and inexpensive to complete. But be sure to check your existing insulation’s R-value before starting.

You can add insulation to your attic using several types of materials, including cellulose and fiberglass. But if you choose cellulose, be sure to buy from manufacturers that add ammonium sulfate or borate to the product. This makes it fire-resistant and will help prevent it from catching on fire in your attic.

Taking care of your air conditioning unit can help you save money on energy bills and extend its lifespan. However, it’s important to do so in a timely manner to avoid costly breakdowns.

One of the best ways to improve AC efficiency is to seal leaks around your windows, doors, and ductwork. These leaks can waste up to 30 to 40 percent of your home’s cooling energy.

Change the Filter

One of the most important things you can do for your air conditioning unit is to change the filter. Changing this once every few months can help your system run much more efficiently and can save you money on energy bills down the road.

While it may seem like a small, low-cost task, not changing your filter regularly can cause problems for your system. Not only can a dirty filter decrease the amount of air it can actually blow, but it can also reduce the lifespan of your AC unit.

Fortunately, it’s a simple job that can be performed by you or your HVAC service technician. Just remember to always turn off the power supply before you begin your maintenance.

The first step is to locate your air filter. Typically, this is located right next to the air handler, which is the part of your AC system that contains the fan and airflow. You should be able to see the dimensions of the filter on the side, so you know it’s the correct size for your system.

Once you’ve found the filter, it’s time to replace it. To do this, simply remove the old filter and insert the new one. Afterwards, be sure to line up the notches on the filter frame with the spaces in your AC unit’s filter compartment. Once you’re done, replace the cover and return power to the system.

A clean, fresh filter can significantly lower your energy bill. You’ll also be able to notice a difference in how fast your AC is able to cool your home.

Clean the Condenser

Cleaning the condenser is one of the most important maintenance tasks that can be done to your air conditioning unit. It will help you save money by removing stress from the system and will also extend its life.

It is recommended that you clean your condenser coils once a year. This is because dirty coils can lead to an increase in energy consumption.

The reason for this is that the coils can no longer transfer heat efficiently. This is especially true if the air outside is polluted.

In order to clean your air conditioner coils, first shut off the power to your system at the breaker box. Next, remove the top and side covers from your unit using a screwdriver or cordless drill.

Clean the Evaporator

Cleaning the evaporator coil is an essential part of keeping your air conditioning system in top shape. This is because the coils collect dirt and dust that can negatively impact their performance and lifespan.

If left unattended, dirty evaporator coils can cause your AC to use more energy and cool spaces less efficiently than systems with clean coils. Furthermore, dirty coils can also corrode and cause leaks in your air conditioning unit.

You can clean your evaporator coils yourself or hire an HVAC professional to do the job for you. In either case, this is a small and simple task that can help you maintain your air conditioner like a pro and save money in the long run!

To get started, you need to shut off the power to your condenser and remove its access panel. This will allow you to inspect any wires that have melted insulation, or that look burned-looking.

Clean the Thermostat

A dirty thermostat can’t properly control your temperature and can result in higher energy bills. It can also lead to a malfunctioning HVAC system.

To clean the thermostat, remove its cover and lightly brush it with a cloth to get rid of dust or dirt that might be causing issues. You can also run a piece of paper between the thermostat’s contacts to dislodge debris.

Another way to save money is to lower the temperature in your home during peak energy usage times. Some utilities have programs that adjust your AC’s settings remotely when they see high demand.

Smart thermostats help you save money and the environment by automatically setting the right temperature at the right time. Many of them also give you notifications when it’s time to change the filter in your AC unit, so you can maintain a consistent maintenance routine.