John C. Flood of VA Inc.

Your Air Conditioner is just one way to help stay cool

June 9, 2011

With the first official day of summer less than two weeks away we should all be prepared for the hot and humid days of Summer.  The 2011 Farmers’ Almanac has predicted the following:

“As June turns to July, the weather will become hotter in most regions.  We expect to see a spell of widespread extreme heat and humidity for the latter days of summer, predominantly during late August.  About two-thirds of the country will experience above-normal summer temperatures, with an unusually large region of much above-normal temperatures for the Southern and Eastern States.”

So with that delightful tidbit of information we all should be pro-active in following tips to keep ourselves and our families cool this season.  The pre-Summer season for HVAC contractors becomes increasingly busy and once we are into full Summer mode getting immediate help will be considerably more difficult and expensive.  The following are 8 tips to help you and your family keep things cool and comfortable going into the Summer season.

1. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, buy one. The savings tally to nearly $200.00 a year. This way, when you are out of the house, on vacation or sleeping, you can set your ‘stat to “Save.”
2. Search your house for leaky ducts. The majority of homes lose about 20% of their cooling energy through leaky ducts.
3. Seal off any ducts to unconditioned areas, and insulate rooms like the garage, attic or cellar. (Families with larger homes and empty nesters consider not cooling the wing of the house no one ever goes into.)
4. It may be time for an AC upgrade. Get a qualified professional to inspect your system. Look for models that have the EPA’s Energy Star and replace filters at least every three months. We are offering a special for $89 get a full AC system inspection. DON’T WAIT!!
5. Replace those old-fashioned, round light bulbs. The Energy Star fluorescent light bulbs use two-thirds less energy and generates less heat than incandescent bulbs.
6. Turn off all appliances and lights when not in use. Coffee makers and toaster ovens don’t need to be plugged in all day.
7. Make sure your fan is spinning clockwise. This will create a wind-chill effect. Turn your ceiling fan off when you exit the room. Fans cool people not rooms.
8. This sounds simple, but drawing your blinds will significantly reduce the accumulation of heat indoors.