Here in Bend, we’re hitting the warmest months of the summer sun. This also means that you’re searching for as many cheap 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 Tri County Climate Control LLC are here to provide 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 provide, 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 during the 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 turned on while the air conditioner is running, you can actually turn up 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 the workload off your AC.
Set up an air conditioner service appointment. We couldn’t let this one slip by, but for good reason. Regular maintenance on your HVAC equipment can help make certain that it works at peak efficiency all season. Plus, the last thing you want in Bend in August is for the AC to not work, and an air conditioner service visit can also catch small fixes before they become big problems.
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 weather in Bend, you can control the comfort of your home. And with these insights, you may even save a few dollars while staying cool this summer. If your system just can’t compete, call Tri County Climate Control LLC at 541-238-2797 for any of your air conditioner service and repair needs.