Here in York, we’re hitting the peak months of the summer sun. This also means that you’re searching for as many low-cost ways to stay cool as possible, even air conditioner service. Getting full use of your pool pass is great, but sometimes you just want to be able to relax in your home, too. It may be the hottest time of the year, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend exorbitant amounts on your cooling bills.
Your HVAC pros at Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning are here to offer a couple tips on how to make the most of your AC.
Set your programmable thermostat. If you’re not utilizing all your programmable thermostat has to give you, you’re missing out on potential savings. In fact, Natural Resources Canada found that you may save up to 10 percent a year on heating and cooling just by programming your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day. Set your thermostat to cool less when you’re at work and set 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 used while the air conditioner is working, you can actually raise the temperature on your thermostat a couple degrees without impacting your comfort.
Keep curtains and blinds closed. A lot of heat can sneak in your home through your windows, so make certain that 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 a load 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 ensure it operates at top efficiency when it needs to. Plus, the last thing you want in York in August is for the AC to break down, and an air conditioner service visit can also find small fixes before they become big issues.
Consider energy efficiency. Given that we’re almost through the summer months, you’re probably not in the market 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 York, you can control the comfort of your home. And with these nuggets, you might even save a few dollars while staying cool this summer. If your system just can’t compete, call Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning at 717-383-4479 for any of your air conditioner service and repair needs.