When the hottest days of summer hit, the following tips will help your AC run more efficiently, keeping you cooler and your electric bills lower.    Check Your Air Filter Regularly replacing your air filter is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your AC unit running efficiently. Get in the habit of checking your air filter once a month and replacing it as needed. Give Your AC Unit Some Shade and Space Creating shade around your AC unit by planting shrubs or trees nearby can also help keep it cool, but be careful not to get them too close. Keep plants and other landscaping at least 2-4 feet away from the unit to ensure adequate airflow and allow access for regular maintenance.  Close Shades During the Day Close shades, curtains, and blinds during the hottest parts of the day to help keep out some of the heat of direct sunlight. Then open them up again at night to allow built up heat to escape.    Run Ceiling Fans Counterclockwise If you have ceiling fans, run them counterclockwise in the summer to help push cool air down. Your AC unit won’t have to work as hard, and your room will feel up to 8 degrees cooler! (In the winter, you’ll want to switch your fan to rotate clockwise so it pulls cool air up and pushes warm air down.)    Check Your Thermostat Increasing your thermostat by a few degrees can give your AC a break as well. Setting it at around 78 degrees will give you the best energy savings, but we know that isn’t comfortable for everyone. Increasing the temperature even a degree or two can make a big difference. In addition, keep lamps and other heat-producing appliances away from  your thermostat, as the extra heat will tell it to run the AC more than it needs to. For the same reason, try to keep direct sunlight off of your thermostat as well.  Use a Dehumidifier Here in Minnesota we know all too well that high humidity can make hot summer days feel miserable. Running a dehumidifier will make your home feel much more comfortable without overtaxing your AC unit, even on the hottest of days.  Seal Up Leaks Some basic weatherization steps can prevent the loss of that cool air your AC unit is working so hard to create. Seal air leaks around windows and doors with caulking or weatherstripping and make sure air ducts are properly sealed and insulated as well.  Call In the Pros Routine maintenance of your HVAC system will keep it running at peak performance and efficiency. We recommend having your system checked out at least once a year to keep it in tip top shape.  Time for a Replacement? If your AC unit is no longer able to keep up with your cooling needs, it may be time for a replacement. While a new unit can be an investment, newer models are more energy-efficient and will save you money in the long run.  When it’s time to maintain, repair, or replace your AC unit, Titan Heating & Cooling has everything you need. Give us a call at 651.714.8931 or contact us here.  ...

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