Summer is here! Summer days can hold some of our fondest memories of playing outdoors and staying out until the sun sets, but with it also comes the dreadful heat and humidity. In West Virginia, we typically average around 82 degrees throughout summer, but the humidity can make it feel much warmer. Here’s our list of tips and tricks to stay cool all summer long without always turning up your thermostat:
Swap the Direction of Your Fan
If you’ve been following our blog, you may have changed the direction of your ceiling fan for winter weather. In summer, you’ll want to make sure you set your fans back to rotate counterclockwise. This will help distribute cool air throughout your room, instead of warm air. Also, the breezes your fan creates also help your home feel a few degrees cooler.
Drink Cool Peppermint Tea
It might sound silly, but the menthol in peppermint oil increases your blood flow and provides a real, cooling sensation. Making your peppermint tea cold can also help too! Peppermint tea also has many other health benefits, including; being a sleep aid, helping with upset stomachs, destressing, boosting your immune system, and it can even fight bad breath! So next time you’re looking for a refreshing drink it beat the heat, try some peppermint tea.
Avoid Using Major Appliances During the Hottest Parts of the Day
Using your oven, dishwasher, or laundry machine during the midday can increase the temperature in your home. These appliances, even while energy-efficient, will add heat to the interior of your home. If you can wait to use these appliances until nighttime, you can keep your home cooler during the hottest parts of the day. It’s also a useful trick to use your oven more frequently during the winter months to keep your home warm. And it’s an extra excuse to bake more holiday pies!
Have an AC Check-Up
Last but not least, if you feel like your home isn’t cooling down, or your AC system is working extra hard this summer, it’s probably time for a system check-up. Maintaining your HVAC system on a regular basis can help keep your system running efficiently, and saving you money. Making sure your air ducts and filters are clean and free of debris will also help your AC system work optimally.
If you’re due for an HVAC check-up, contact our technicians today. We'll check over your AC and perform any necessary maintenance and cleaning. Call us at (304) 212-2004. We look forward to helping you keep your air conditioning system in great condition this year!