Here in Phoenix, we’re hitting the hottest months of the summer sun. This also means that you’re trying to find 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 hang out in your home, too. It could be the hottest time of the year, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend exorbitant amounts on your cooling bills.
Your HVAC team at Integrity AC & Heating LLC are here to offer a couple tips on how to fully utilize your AC.
Set your programmable thermostat. If you’re not utilizing 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 programming your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours during the day. Set your thermostat to cool less when you’re gone 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 used while the air conditioner is working, you can actually turn up the temperature on your thermostat a couple degrees without sacrificing comfort.
Keep curtains and blinds closed. A lot of heat can enter your home through your windows, so make certain that your curtains, blinds and shades are closed during the hot afternoon hours. Even cutting down on the sunlight that comes into your home from noon to 5 p.m. can help keep your home a little 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 good reason. Regular maintenance on your HVAC equipment can help make sure it runs at its best efficiency throughout the season. Plus, the last thing you want in Phoenix 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 just about 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 environment in Phoenix, you can control the comfort of your home. And with these tips, you might even save a few dollars while staying cool this summer. If your system just can’t compete, call Integrity AC & Heating LLC at 602-971-0567 for any of your air conditioner service and repair needs.