Local residents are packing up their swim suits and getting out their backpacks, as area children prepare to head back to school this month. It’s no secret that the transition from lazy summer months to busy school days can be stressful. Morning and evening routines can be hectic, especially as parents and children try to re-align their schedules. And those that are sending their college-bound students off to out-of-town universities face additional challenges in helping their children prepare for the realities of living on their own.

But there are simple ways you can help your family prepare for the transition, and One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Midland Park is here to help! Make the most out of already hectic morning and evening routines, as well as prepare your college-bound kid, with the tips below.

For parents with grade school-aged kids, here are some tips to ensure smooth morning and evening routines:

  • Make sure everybody gets a good night sleep. Room temperature can play a role in how well a person sleeps.  While a typical recommendation is to keep the room between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, experts advise to set the temperature at a comfortable level, whatever that means to the sleeper.[1]
  • Installing a programmable thermostat can help put the air conditioning on “auto pilot,” so families don’t have to worry about adjusting it. This helps save energy while the family is away and helps cool the house before the family gets home.
  • When used properly, a programmable thermostat can save residents about $150 annually.

For parents with college-bound kids, here are a few tips to help prepare them to become renters and to save money on utility bills:

  • College students tend to live in fairly tight spaces, and though it might be difficult to arrange all furnishings, it’s important to make sure all air registers are clear of furniture so air can circulate freely. This will help the system will run most efficiently.[2]
  • If the apartment or home is heated by a furnace, give it a good look. If it’s an older model, at the very least make sure the ducts are in good condition. Sealing and insulating the ducts could help get 20 percent more efficiency out of it.[3] Consider negotiating this with the landlord before signing the lease.
  • Don’t expect a wall or window air conditioner to cool a multi-room apartment; however, window units could provide the most cost-effective and painless solution to cooling a single room. The units are relatively cheap and have a lot of cooling power.[4]

Call one of our technicians today to schedule any upgrades that could help make your transition from summer fun to scholarly pursuits and responsibilities easier