Here in Manassas, 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 might be the hottest time of the year, but that doesn’t mean you must spend exorbitant amounts on your cooling bills.
Your HVAC pros at Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. are here to share 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 offer, 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 a day. Set your thermostat to cool less when you’re at work 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 maximize the effect of your air conditioner. When a ceiling fan is utilized 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 decreasing 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 real reason. Regular maintenance on your HVAC equipment can help make certain that it runs at its best efficiency when it needs to. Plus, the last thing you want in Manassas in August is for the AC to break down, and an air conditioner service visit can also catch small fixes before they become huge problems.
Consider energy efficiency. Given that we’re nearly through the summer months, you’re probably not looking to purchase a new AC right now. But when you are ready to swap out 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 climate in Manassas, you can control the comfort of your home. And with these tips, you could even save a few dollars while staying cool this summer. If your system just can’t compete, call Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. at 703-260-1148 for any of your air conditioner service and repair needs.