Heating Tips l Cooling Tips l Plumbing Tips l Water Heater Tips

Cooling Tips

Try these money-saving tips to keep your home cool in the hot summer months:

Annual Routine Maintenance

The #1 rule in keeping your home cool is to keep your air filters clean! Check them every 30 days. If you have pets such as dogs or cats, you may need to clean the air filter more often. Go clean them now!

Try using the Fan: Use the FAN ON switch on your thermostat instead of the AUTO setting. This will continue to

run the indoor fan and constant air movement will keep you cooler, even at higher temperatures. Plus, it is more economical to run the fan than it is to run the condenser. For people with two or more levels this method will help you maintain a more even temperature between floors.

Keep the outside condenser coil clean: Check once a year for dirt accumulating on the copper line. Be careful! If the unit has been running it may be hot to the touch.

Clear the way for the A/C unit: a proper flow of air is important to a properly functioning A/C. Keep grass, weeds and other items from blocking the airflow for the A/C.

Check the registers: Close the registers in the rooms where the temperature is typically cooler and make sure the registers are open in the warmer rooms. It is not recommended to close more than 2 resisters.

Turn the A/C up, not off: When you leave the house, set the temperature 5 to 10 degrees higher than usual instead of turning the system off. This will make it easier to return your home to a comfortable temperature and actually saves money.

Install a Programmable Thermostat: Turn on the A/C before the temperature rises outside, this will prevent the system from running constantly to try to maintain comfort.

Insulation can save you $$$: Just like keeping warm in cold winter months, the key to controlling energy costs is to have properly insulated ceilings, walls and windows, etc. You can also keep out the heat by closing blinds and drawing curtains and window shades. An attic fan is a good idea, too.