Ways to Adapt to Hotter Summers

Summer temperatures are climbing to new records year after year. Along with rising temperatures, many homeowners and tenants are financially burdened by steadily increasing electricity bills. If you are sick and tired of scorching hot weather negatively affecting both your comfort and wallet, you have come to the right place! Here are some helpful suggestions on how to keep your residence cooler all summer long.

First and foremost, there are a couple of tried-and-true practices that are commonly forgotten or overlooked. By simply closing the blinds and shades during the day, you can significantly mitigate the amount of heat that enters your home. It is also helpful to have your windows and door insulated by a professional. Keeping the warm sunlight and air out of your home will optimize your energy efficiency and keep everything cooler.

Let us now explore some less obvious but more impactful solutions that we can assist with!

Removing Moisture with Dehumidifiers

One service we provide at Northern's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® that truly makes a difference is our dehumidifier installation, which removes humidity from the air. Dehumidifiers work by drawing warm, humid air into a unit by a fan. Once inside, refrigerated coils absorb the moisture and release dry air back into your home. There are two types of dehumidifiers:

  1. Portable units are almost always cheaper than whole-home units. They are mobile and convenient for single room needs. However, they make a much smaller impact and must be emptied manually.
  1. Whole-home units are often installed near HVAC units or in ductwork. Although they require a larger upfront investment, whole-home dehumidifiers provide much more comprehensive results by dehumidifying every room. They can easily be set up with a hose to automatically drain. Because they are permanent fixtures, they significantly increase the value of real estate property.

Dehumidifiers contribute to your home’s health and safety by removing and/or stopping the growth of allergens, microbes, dust mites, and fungi. Humidity can also damage wood, cause warped flooring, and attract unwanted insects like cockroaches. If you deal with respiratory infections or constantly feel sticky and overwhelmed by the humidity in your home, dehumidifiers can be a game-changer. The ideal indoor humidity level is subjective but tends to range from 30 to 50 percent. Dehumidifiers can help you maintain these levels by substantially reducing moisture levels throughout your home, basement, attic, and crawl space.

We specialize in installing Aprilaire models 1830 and 1850 directly into your existing ductwork. The Aprilaire 1830 can remove up to 9 gallons of water per day, and the Aprilaire 1850 can remove up to 11.9 gallons of water per day. Both are backed with 5-year warranties and Energy Star-rated. Without messy trays to empty and filters to clean or replace, Aprilaire dehumidifiers are also easy to install and maintain.

Dehumidifier Malfunctions Require Professional Repairs

If you have a dehumidifier that is not working, our expert technicians can come to the rescue. Common types of dehumidifier problems include:

  • Overflows and leaks
  • Freezing up
  • Musty odors
  • Noisy sounds
  • Failure to remove moisture

With experience, technical knowledge, and best-in-class equipment, we will promptly investigate the problem and fix the issue as efficiently and effectively as possible. By removing humidity, a dehumidified room can feel exponentially more enjoyable. With a working whole-home dehumidifier, your AC will be less relied on as well. This will save you both money and energy.

Another quick tip to boost the effectiveness of your home’s cooling system is to check your furnace filter regularly. If you have household pets or live in a desert or dusty climate, frequently cleaning a filter and replacing it once a month will help you avoid putting more stress on your HVAC system, which works extra hard when faced with clogged or dirty filters.

Smart Thermostats Are a Smart Decision

Thermostats with Wi-Fi capabilities are a huge success for good reason. Providing accurate and informative data, they are a great way to optimize the efficiency of your HVAC unit. By understanding the various functions and energy-saving possibilities that smart thermostats provide, you can dramatically lower the amount of money you spend on heating and cooling.

At Northern's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®, we offer and install the Ecobee 4, Honeywell T6, and Honeywell 10 with room sensors. These sensors detect when people are up and active in the house, which helps determine when to run the AC and heater. Some users prefer to preset their cooling or heating schedules based on certain temperatures and conditions. It is also possible to set your smart thermostat to a mode that automatically “learns” when activity is most prevalent and alter its schedule accordingly. By adapting to seasonal shifts and programming, smart thermostats can maximize efficiency in ways you did not think were possible.

People who own smart thermostats also love that it is possible to monitor & adjust household temperatures digitally and remotely. This is particularly helpful when vacationing or when you don’t want to run the AC all day while everyone is out and about. From the palm of your hand, you can turn off the AC or cool your home anywhere. Many users love to turn on their AC on their way home from work. This way, your home will be nicely chilled before returning from a long day. This is all made possible by apps you can download on a mobile device. Once downloaded, all you need is data or Wi-Fi connection to change the thermostat remotely. If any of these cooling tips sound appealing, do not be shy. Our friendly team is always ready to provide service and advice.

Give us a call at (763) 284-8639 or contact us online to request one of our many HVAC services. We can install a smart thermostat or dehumidifier anytime!