Here in Erie, we’re hitting the hottest months of the summer sun. This also means that you’re looking for as many low-cost 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 could be the hottest time of the year, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend crazy amounts on your cooling bills.
Your HVAC team at Patterson & Stirling Inc are here to share a couple tips on how to fully utilize your AC.
Set your programmable thermostat. If you’re not using all your programmable thermostat has to give you, you’re missing out on potential savings. In fact, Natural Resources Canada found that you may save up to 10 percent a year on heating and cooling just by programming your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a 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 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 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 away some work from 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 operates at top efficiency when it needs to. Plus, the last thing you want in Erie in August is for the AC to stop working, and an air conditioner service visit can also catch small fixes before they become larger 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 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 Erie, 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 Patterson & Stirling Inc at 814-308-0416 for any of your air conditioner service and repair needs.