Here in Chadron, we’re hitting the hottest months of the summer sun. This also means that you’re trying to find 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 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 pros at MPC Heating & Cooling are here to offer a couple tips on how to make the most of your AC.
Set your programmable thermostat. If you’re not taking advantage of all your programmable thermostat has to give you, 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 lowering your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours during the day. Set your thermostat to cool less when you’re away during the day 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 increase the effect of your air conditioner. When a ceiling fan is turned on while the air conditioner is operating, 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 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 make sure it runs at peak efficiency all season. Plus, the last thing you want in Chadron in August is for the AC to stop working, and an air conditioner service visit can also identify small fixes before they become big concerns.
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 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 Chadron, you can control the comfort of your home. And with these tips, you may even save a few dollars while staying cool this summer. If your system just can’t compete, call MPC Heating & Cooling at 308-832-4321 for any of your air conditioner service and repair needs.