Here in Pella, we’re hitting the warmest months of the summer sun. This also means that you’re looking for as many low-cost ways to stay cool as possible, even air conditioner service. Getting full use of your pool pass is fun, but sometimes you just want to be able to hang out in your home, too. It could be the hottest time of the year, but that doesn’t mean you must spend crazy amounts on your cooling bills.
Your HVAC pros at Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating are here to offer a couple tips on how to get the most from your AC.
Set your programmable thermostat. If you’re not using all your programmable thermostat has to give you, you’re missing out on potential savings. In fact, Natural Resources Canada found that you can save up to 10 percent a year on heating and cooling just by lowering your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day. Set your thermostat to cool less when you’re away during the day and arrange for it to turn it back on around the time you arrive home.
Use fans to help circulate the air. Ceiling fans circulate the air in a room and help increase the effect of your air conditioner. When a ceiling fan is utilized while the air conditioner is operating, you can actually increase the temperature on your thermostat a couple degrees without sacrificing comfort.
Keep curtains and blinds closed. A lot of heat can sneak in your home through your windows, so ensure your curtains, blinds and shades are closed during the hot afternoon hours. Even reducing the sunlight that comes into your home from noon to 5 p.m. can help keep your home a tad cooler and take away some work from your AC.
Set up an air conditioner service appointment. We couldn’t let this one slip by, but for good reason. Regular maintenance on your HVAC equipment can help make certain that it works at peak efficiency throughout the season. Plus, the last thing you want in Pella in August is for the AC to break down, and an air conditioner service visit can also catch small fixes before they become big issues.
Consider energy efficiency. Given that we’re just about through the summer months, you’re probably not wanting to purchase a new AC right now. But when you are ready to swap out your equipment, look for Energy Star® certification and high SEER ratings, which can help you save hundreds of dollars a year on cooling costs.
While you can’t control the climate in Pella, you can control the comfort of your home. And with these nuggets, you could even save a few dollars while staying cool this summer. If your system just can’t compete, call Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating at 641-628-3621 for any of your air conditioner service and repair needs.