A Guide to Staying Cool in This Heat Wave Without Breaking the Bank!

We’re facing a scorcher! With temperatures soaring into the 90s and beyond, this historic heat wave is putting our air conditioners into overdrive.

But don’t sweat it – we’ve got some cool tips to help you beat the heat without burning through your savings.

Tweak that thermostat

The Department of Energy tells us that heating and cooling gobble up about 50% of our home energy bills. Yikes! But here’s a simple fix: bump up your thermostat a few degrees. Aim for 76-78°F when you’re home. Trust us, your wallet will thank you.

Fan-tastic cooling

Ceiling fans are your best friends this summer. Run them counter-clockwise to create a refreshing downdraft. Remember, fans cool people, not rooms, so switch ’em off when you leave.

Seal the deal

Don’t let that precious cool air escape! Seal gaps around windows and doors. During the day, close blinds and shades to keep the sun from turning your home into an oven.

Night owl cooling

When the sun goes down and temperatures drop, open those windows and let the night air work its magic. Just remember to close up shop in the morning before it heats up again.

Avoid heat-producing chores

Save tasks like laundry, dishwashing, and baking for cooler hours. Better yet, fire up the grill outside and give your kitchen (and AC) a break.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Sip on 4-8 glasses of water a day. Skip the extra coffee or cocktails – they’ll just dehydrate you faster in this heat.

Quick cooling tricks

Need instant relief? Spritz yourself with cool water, soak your feet in a cool basin, or apply ice wrapped in a cloth to your pulse points (wrists, neck, elbows, ankles).

AC TLC

Now, let’s talk about your trusty AC. This most important part of summer comfort needs some love too. Here’s where we come in:

• Regular maintenance: Schedule a check-up with us. We’ll make sure your system is running at peak efficiency.
• Filter refresh: Clean or replace your AC filter every 1-3 months. It’s an easy way to boost performance and save energy.
• Upgrade consideration: If your AC is getting long in the tooth, it might be time for an upgrade. Newer ENERGY STAR models can improve efficiency by at least 15%.

Remember, a well-maintained AC not only keeps you cooler but also saves you money in the long run. So don’t wait until it conks out in the middle of a heatwave – give us a call at HVAC & Plumbing Unlimited for a tune-up.

Stay cool, Lorton! And if you need any help keeping your AC in tip-top shape this summer, we’re here! Contact us online or give us a call today (703) 337-4892.