Here in West Columbia, we’re hitting the peak 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 great, but sometimes you just want to be able to relax 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 Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc. 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 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 setting your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours every 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 boost 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 impacting your comfort.
Keep curtains and blinds closed. A lot of heat can enter your home through your windows, so ensure 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 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 make certain that it runs at top efficiency when it needs to. Plus, the last thing you want in West Columbia 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 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 West Columbia, 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 Tri City Fuel & Heating Co., Inc. at 803-265-4208 for any of your air conditioner service and repair needs.