Summer in Columbia, South Carolina is no joke. With high temperatures, heavy humidity, and air conditioners working overtime, electric bills can climb quickly during the hottest months of the year.
Whether you own your home or rent, a few simple changes can help keep your space more comfortable without putting quite as much strain on your HVAC system—or your wallet.
1. Adjust the Thermostat a Few Degrees
One of the easiest ways to reduce energy use is to avoid setting the thermostat unnecessarily low. Try keeping your home at a comfortable but reasonable temperature while you are home and raising it a few degrees when you leave.
If your home has a programmable or smart thermostat, use a schedule so the air conditioner is not cooling an empty house all day.
Tip for renters: Always check with your property manager or landlord before replacing or installing a thermostat.
2. Keep Blinds and Curtains Closed During the Hottest Part of the Day
Columbia’s afternoon sun can quickly heat a room. Closing blinds, shades, or curtains—especially on windows receiving direct sunlight—can reduce the amount of heat entering your home.
Blackout or thermal curtains can be especially helpful in rooms that receive a lot of afternoon sun.
3. Use Ceiling Fans the Right Way
Ceiling fans can make a room feel cooler without lowering the thermostat. During summer, most ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise to push cool air downward.
Remember that fans cool people, not rooms. Turn them off when you leave to avoid wasting electricity.
4. Change Your HVAC Filter Regularly
A dirty air filter makes your HVAC system work harder to circulate air. During Columbia’s hottest months, check your filter regularly and replace it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A clean filter may also improve airflow and indoor air quality.
For renters, review your lease to determine whether HVAC filter replacement is your responsibility.
5. Avoid Adding Extra Heat Indoors
Your oven and stove can make the kitchen—and eventually the entire house—warmer.
On particularly hot days, consider using:
- A slow cooker or air fryer
- An outdoor grill
- A microwave
- No-cook meals such as salads and sandwiches
Running the dishwasher and clothes dryer during cooler evening or morning hours can also help reduce heat buildup inside the home.
6. Check Doors and Windows for Air Leaks
Cool air escaping around doors and windows means your HVAC system has to work harder.
Homeowners may want to inspect weatherstripping and caulking periodically. Renters who notice significant gaps, damaged weatherstripping, or windows that do not close properly should report the issue to their property manager.
7. Keep Interior Doors and Air Vents Open
Unless your HVAC professional recommends otherwise, avoid closing off multiple vents or rooms in an attempt to save energy. Central HVAC systems are generally designed to move air throughout the entire home.
Furniture, rugs, or curtains should also be kept away from supply and return vents so air can circulate properly.
8. Use Exhaust Fans—But Not Too Long
Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are great for removing heat and humidity, but they also pull conditioned air out of the house.
Use them when needed, then turn them off once the excess moisture or heat is gone.
9. Run Full Loads of Laundry and Dishes
Reducing the number of times you run your washer, dryer, and dishwasher can lower energy consumption.
Wash clothes in cold water when appropriate, run full loads, and clean the lint filter in your dryer after every use.
10. Don’t Ignore Signs of an HVAC Problem
During a Columbia summer, an air conditioner may run frequently—but there is a difference between working hard and not working properly.
Contact your property manager or HVAC professional if you notice:
- The home is not cooling properly
- Weak airflow from vents
- Unusual noises or odors
- Water leaking around the HVAC equipment
- Ice forming on HVAC components
- The system running continuously without reaching the thermostat setting
Catching a problem early can sometimes prevent a much more expensive repair later.
A Comfortable Summer Starts With Small Changes
You don’t have to sacrifice comfort to be more energy-conscious. Keeping sunlight out, using fans, maintaining good airflow, changing filters, and being thoughtful about when you use heat-producing appliances can make a noticeable difference.
And in Columbia’s summer heat, every little bit helps.
Looking for a rental home in the Columbia area or need professional property management for your investment property?
Hubbard Bowers, Inc. provides professional real estate sales and property management services throughout the Columbia area.
803.748.7574
hubbardbowers.com
