Here in Crystal and Twin Cities, we’re hitting the hottest months of the summer sun. This also means that you’re searching for as many inexpensive 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 relax in your home, too. It might be the hottest time of the year, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend crazy amounts on your cooling bills.
Your HVAC team at GV Heating & Air are here to provide a couple tips on how to make the most of your AC.
Set your programmable thermostat. If you’re not using all your programmable thermostat has to provide, you’re missing out on potential savings. In fact, Natural Resources Canada found that you could save up to 10 percent a year on heating and cooling just by setting your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a 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 boost the effect of your air conditioner. When a ceiling fan is used while the air conditioner is operating, 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 sure 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 bit 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 legitimate reason. Regular maintenance on your HVAC equipment can help ensure it runs at top efficiency throughout the season. Plus, the last thing you want in Crystal and Twin Cities in August is for the AC to not work, and an air conditioner service visit can also identify small fixes before they become big issues.
Consider energy efficiency. Given that we’re nearly through the summer months, you’re probably not in the market to purchase a new AC right now. But when you are ready to replace 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 Crystal and Twin Cities, 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 GV Heating & Air at 763-535-2000 for any of your air conditioner service and repair needs.