You’ve probably seen the news over the past few days or weeks. Half of the country is encountering record-breaking heat and, in some cases, extreme weather warning. This is causing some serious strain on the power grid as everyone begins running their air conditioners throughout the days and nights.
There’s no escaping this heat if you live where we do. Air conditioning in Cedar Rapids, IA is necessary at this point, and while we’ve just made it to August, there’s likely a lot more heat to come.
So, how can you get through a heatwave and record-breaking temperatures without breaking the bank? We’ll go over some tested tips and best practices that can help you tremendously over the next few weeks–and some of these tips are free!
Just be sure to call a team of professionals if you encounter any problems, from blown-out compressors to ice forming on your coil. We can be the technicians to help you.
1. Don’t Forget to Chane Your Air Filter
Your air conditioner depends on a constant flow of clean, fresh air through it in order to keep your home cool. The more dust and debris that gets clogged in the system, the higher your energy bills will be and the worse your home comfort will feel.
Don’t worry, it takes less than 5 minutes to change the air filter, and most of these are either reusable or extremely affordable to purchase on your own. And, to make it all worth it, you can change your air filter by yourself!
2. Remain Hydrated
Getting caught in the heat without water is a dangerous situation and you can suffer from heatstroke if you’re not careful. Keep cool water with you whenever possible and make sure that you’re staying hydrated so you can continue to sweat and release heat through natural methods.
3. Loose Clothing Will Help
Shorts and T-shirts aren’t just fashionable during the summer–they’re necessary! These types of clothing can make it easier for your body to release heat.
Try raising the temperature on your thermostat a little bit and dressing in looser clothing. This will lower your energy bill (and the stress on your AC) while still keeping you cool and comfortable.
4. AC Maintenance Is Needed
Have you invested in air conditioning maintenance this year? If not, then now is your chance!
AC maintenance is an important service that allows a professional to provide adjustments and minor fixes so that it’s in great shape to deal with the heat waves ahead. A well-maintained air conditioner will work more efficiently, effectively, and will also have a longer lifespan than a system that’s been neglected.
5. Stay Out of the Sun
Direct sunlight on the hottest days of the year can be dangerous. We’re not just talking about getting a bad sunburn, we’re talking about the ground heating up to temperatures where you can actually get burned if you touch it. Stay in the shade if you have to be outdoors, and use curtains or shades to keep the sun out of your air-conditioned home.
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment in the Cedar Rapids area, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.