Here in Des Moines, we’re hitting the peak months of the summer sun. This also means that you’re searching for as many cheap ways to stay cool as possible, even air conditioner service. Getting full use of your pool pass is nice, 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 excessive amounts on your cooling bills.
Your HVAC experts at Heartland Heating & Cooling are here to provide a couple tips on how to get the most from your AC.
Set your programmable thermostat. If you’re not taking advantage of all your programmable thermostat has to offer, 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 setting your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours every day. Set your thermostat to cool less when you’re at work 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 maximize the effect of your air conditioner. When a ceiling fan is utilized while the air conditioner is running, you can actually raise the temperature on your thermostat a couple degrees without hurting your comfort.
Keep curtains and blinds closed. A lot of heat can get in to your home through your windows, so make sure 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 little cooler and take the workload off your AC.
Set up an air conditioner service appointment. We couldn’t let this one slip by, but for a real reason. Regular maintenance on your HVAC equipment can help make certain that it operates at peak efficiency when it needs to. Plus, the last thing you want in Des Moines in August is for the AC to stop working, and an air conditioner service visit can also catch small fixes before they become larger concerns.
Consider energy efficiency. Given that we’re nearly through the summer months, you’re probably not looking to purchase a new AC right now. But when you are ready to get rid of 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 weather in Des Moines, you can control the comfort of your home. And with these nuggets, you may even save a few dollars while staying cool this summer. If your system just can’t compete, call Heartland Heating & Cooling at 515-344-3579 for any of your air conditioner service and repair needs.