How to Help Your AC Keep You Cooler

During the hot and humid summer season in Lexington, Kentucky, your hard-working air conditioner is the key to your comfort. If your system isn’t delivering the cooling relief you want, it’s time to explore ways to enhance its performance. When it comes to improving AC function, a few small changes can make a big difference. Incorporating the following strategies will help optimize your AC so that it keeps you cooler all summer long.

All-Season Ceiling Fans

Winter, spring, summer or fall, the airflow generated by a ceiling fan can improve your family’s comfort. During warm weather, use the fan in the counterclockwise direction. The wind-chill effect it creates will make you feel up to 4 degrees cooler. When it’s cold outside, reverse the direction and run the fan on a low speed. The gentle updraft will force warm air near the ceiling back down into the room.

Effective Window Treatments

Closing draperies on windows that receive direct sunlight will help keep heat from building up indoors. Changing the drapes can have an even bigger impact. Curtains with white plastic backings, for example, can cut heat gain by 33 percent. To maximize their cooling effect, hang draperies from the ceiling to the floor as close to the window as possible.

Controlling Humidity

Moisture in the air makes hot weather feel even more hot. Your cooling system is designed to fight humidity by removing water vapor as well as heat from the air. Make sure it’s up for the job with regular preventive maintenance. Check the air filter, too. Dirty filters allow dirt to collect on the coils and impair their humidity control capabilities. Clean air filters can also reduce energy consumption by up to 15 percent.

Comfort Solutions from Stivers HVAC

At Stivers HVAC, we’re dedicated to ensuring that you enjoy the full benefits of your comfort systems. Since 1986, we’ve worked hard to keep Lexington households comfortable in every season. For more information about ways to enhance your cooling comfort, explore our AC services or call 859-226-0809.