Tips for Staying Cool in the Summer Heat

by Tom Olecki, Owner, Broadview Heating

So far this summer we have experienced quite a few extended periods of extremely hot weather. Whenever the temperatures stay elevated, an air conditioner that is not working at its peak efficiency begins to fall behind. Sometimes this situation can be avoided by following these simple steps.

Check your air filter and replace it with a new one. Airflow through the system can be dramatically reduced by a dirty filter. Without proper airflow the air conditioner cannot produce the proper BTUs required to cool your home.

Remove anything that might be blocking the supply registers. Beds or furniture placed over a register will cause the air from the register to bounce back to the floor rather than flowing towards the ceiling where it is needed. Proper airflow in each room requires the air to mix floor to ceiling for comfort. Also, close those basement registers for the summer as we do not need cool air in the basement. Make sure the return registers are also free of draperies and furniture as well.

If your home has two stories, keep the doors closed on the second level. Since cold air is heavier than warm, it will fall down to the main floor and satisfy the thermostat, turning the air conditioning off. With the doors closed, this situation is reduced, and the second floor will be more comfortable. The same goes for the door to the basement if you have one.

Try setting your fan switch on the thermostat to “on” instead of “automatic.” This will cause your indoor fan to continue to run when the air conditioning is satisfied. This mode will keep the air mixed in the home which will help to even out any temperature differences between first and second floors.

Heat generated from any direct sunlight shining in your home can really tax your air conditioning system, especially in the afternoon during the hottest part of the day. Pull down shades or curtains to reduce this load.

Make sure the outside air conditioning unit has ample room to breathe. Weeds or flowers should be cut back 12 inches from all sides of the unit. Also, watch so tree branches are not within four feet of the top of the outdoor unit. Check for cleanliness of the outdoor coils. Dust and debris will build up on the outside of the coil and can severely limit the output of the system. Should you experience this, have the unit professionally cleaned.

Tom Olecki, Owner, Broadview Heating

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Questions are always welcome. For free help with your heating/cooling system, ask the experts at broadviewheating@sbcglobal.net or call 440-526-7310.

Opinions and claims expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ScripType Publishing.