Here in Los Angeles, we’re hitting the warmest months of the summer sun. This also means that you’re trying to find as many cheap 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 may be the hottest time of the year, but that doesn’t mean you must spend exorbitant amounts on your cooling bills.
Your HVAC team at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating are here to share 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 provide, 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 every day. Set your thermostat to cool less when you’re away during the day and arrange for 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 increase the effect of your air conditioner. When a ceiling fan is turned on while the air conditioner is operating, you can actually increase the temperature on your thermostat a couple degrees without hurting your comfort.
Keep curtains and blinds closed. A lot of heat can enter your home through your windows, so make sure 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 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 good reason. Regular maintenance on your HVAC equipment can help ensure it operates at peak efficiency all season. Plus, the last thing you want in Los Angeles in August is for the AC to stop working, and an air conditioner service visit can also catch small fixes before they become big 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 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 climate in Los Angeles, 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 AZ Air Conditioning and Heating at 800-296-5088 for any of your air conditioner service and repair needs.