Here in Tucson, we’re hitting the warmest 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 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 excessive amounts on your cooling bills.
Your HVAC pros at A&M Heating & Cooling LLC are here to share a couple tips on how to fully utilize your AC.
Set your programmable thermostat. If you’re not taking advantage of all your programmable thermostat has to offer, 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 lowering your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day. Set your thermostat to cool less when you’re at work 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 used while the air conditioner is running, you can actually turn up the temperature on your thermostat a couple degrees without impacting your comfort.
Keep curtains and blinds closed. A lot of heat can get in to your home through your windows, so ensure 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 bit cooler and take the workload 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 ensure it operates at its best efficiency throughout the season. Plus, the last thing you want in Tucson in August is for the AC to break down, and an air conditioner service visit can also identify small fixes before they become huge issues.
Consider energy efficiency. Given that we’re just about through the summer months, you’re probably not wanting 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 Tucson, you can control the comfort of your home. And with these tips, you might even save a few dollars while staying cool this summer. If your system just can’t compete, call A&M Heating & Cooling LLC at 520-200-1048 for any of your air conditioner service and repair needs.