Stay Cool for Less This Spring and Summer with These 9 Tips

Nothing is cooler than stepping into an air conditioned home in summer (except possibly watching our new TV commercial – be on the lookout!). But getting all that cool or less money? Now we’re talking.

As we speed toward Memorial Day, here are nine simple tips can help keep your home cool for less money.

1. Set your thermostat as high as possible while maintaining comfort – Remember that the most important factor in feeling cool is not the actual temperature of the room, but the contrast between the warm air outside and the cool air inside the house. When it’s hot out, aim for an indoor temperature of about 78 degrees to get the best balance of comfort and cost effectiveness.
2. Invest in a programmable thermostat – These inexpensive devices automatically manage temperatures when your family isn’t home, which can save you $100 or more every year in energy costs.
3. Use a ceiling fan – A ceiling fan can make a room feel cooler just by moving air, so when you use it together with air conditioning, you can set your thermostat higher than you normally would. The average ceiling fan uses about as much energy as a light bulb, so you can run one for just pennies a day. Just make sure to adjust your fan rotation so it turns counter clockwise, drawing heavier cool air up into the room (see your owner’s manual for instructions).
4. Shade your air conditioner – A central AC unit operating in the shade uses up to 10 percent less electricity than the same unit operating in the sun. Just be sure not to block its airflow (see Tip #7 below).
5. Clean or change your filter regularly – This simple step will increase your air conditioner’s efficiency by as much as 10-15 percent AND increase the lifespan of your system. Check your filter at least once each summer – more during years with high-volume use.
6. Consider getting your ducts sealed – As much as 20 percent of the air you paid to cool can escape unseen through ductwork joints, elbows, and connections – especially in unheated or uncooled spaces such as attics, basements, or crawl spaces. A professional duct cleaning will greatly minimize or even eliminate that cool air loss.
7. Clean up around your air conditioner – AC condenser coils can become dirty and blocked, which makes your unit work harder to perform the same job. Your home’s dryer vents, falling leaves, and even lawn mower debris can all block airflow. Clean the area around the condenser coil, removing debris and trimming foliage back at least 2 feet. If you want a more thorough cleaning, sign up for an annual tune-up (see #8 below).

8. Maintain your air conditioner – It’s easy to take your air conditioner for granted… until it stops working on the hottest day of the year. Regular maintenance will not only help spot potential problems, but will also increase the life and energy efficiency of your unit. An annual tune-up from Needham Oil & Air will help keep your AC running like clockwork, with complete diagnostic services that can keep minor issues from becoming expensive problems. Want an even better value? Sign up for a Needham Cooling Silver Service Plan, which includes an annual tune-up, repair discounts, priority service, and more.
9. If the time is right, consider an upgrade – A new, high-efficiency air conditioner can save you 30 percent or more on your monthly energy bills – enough to offset the cost of a new A/C in just a few years, especially when you consider manufacturer’s rebates, MasSAVE incentives, 0% financing, and other specials!

At Needham Oil & Air, we do the highest quality work and offer the MOST efficient systems available in our service area! We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee in writing, so you can feel TOTALLY confident in your purchase.