It's that time of year again, when Mother Nature dials up the heat. While air conditioning in your home certainly takes the edge off the sweltering summer heat, there are a number of tricks you can use to make your abode even more comfortable.
Set Your Air Conditioner At 78 Degrees
This is the best setting for comfort, power consumption, and efficient operation of your AC unit. Temperatures lower than 68 degrees may cause your air conditioner to freeze up and can make the transition of going outdoors very uncomfortable. After a few weeks, the body adapts to the heat so that the 78 degrees in your home will feel comfortable compared to the outdoor heat.
Keep Your Air Conditioner Running
Turning off the AC during the day when you're at work allows the air and the contents of your home to heat up. Cooling them down when you get back home overworks the air conditioner and leaves you feeling uncomfortable for several hours while you wait for things cool down. Instead, an adjustment of just a few degrees while you're away is all that's necessary.
Shut Out The Heat
Keep the curtains closed on the sun facing sides of your home. Sunlight in the summer puts out a lot of heat, which makes your AC unit work harder. Just like you would in the winter to keep out the cold, keep your windows and doors closed in the summer to keep out the heat.
Use Overhead Fans
Overhead fans, which use minimal energy, allow you to feel comfortable at a higher temperature setting. Make sure the fan is directing air downward.
Keep Air Conditioning Vents Clear Of Obstructions
Keep furniture and other objects away from the vents and thermostat. Make sure that outdoor AC units are clear of nearby vegetation.
Avoid Generating Heat
During the hottest times of the day, avoid cooking large meals on your stove, taking long hot baths or showers, doing laundry, or using the dishwasher. These activities pump a lot of heat and humidity into your home.
Keep Your Air Conditioner Maintained
Check your AC filters and clean or replace them if necessary.
Call us for a tune up before the dog days of summer arrive.
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