Here in Des Moines, we’re hitting the hottest months of the summer sun. This also means that you’re trying to find 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 hang out 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 Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling 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 give you, 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 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 maximize the effect of your air conditioner. When a ceiling fan is utilized while the air conditioner is working, 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 sneak in 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 tad cooler and take a load off 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 make sure it works at top efficiency all season. Plus, the last thing you want in Des Moines in August is for the AC to stop working, and an air conditioner service visit can also identify small fixes before they become big concerns.
Consider energy efficiency. Given that we’re almost 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 Des Moines, 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 Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling at 515-207-6569 for any of your air conditioner service and repair needs.