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With temperatures rising well into the 90’s this summer, staying cool is a top priority for most residents of Henderson, North Carolina, and the surrounding areas. Investing in preventive air conditioning maintenance plans from the Nicholson Company can be a solid step toward added comfort during the hottest months of the year. Here are six tips for keeping your cool this summer.

Install a Dehumidifier

Moisture in indoor air can reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning system to reduce comfort for you and your family. Dehumidifying the air with a professionally installed system can reduce the perceived temperature inside your home, allowing you to feel more comfortable at the same actual thermostat setting. Modern dehumidifying systems can also help to prevent mold and mildew buildup inside your ductwork to protect your family against allergic reactions and respiratory ailments. Installing an energy-efficient dehumidifier can lower your utility bills while improving indoor air quality for every room of your North Carolina home.

Tune Up Your System

Regular maintenance visits can keep your system in tip-top condition and can lower the chance of unexpected breakdowns during the summer heat. Some of the most important services provided by your HVAC maintenance technician include the following:

• Checking all electrical connections to ensure safety and optimal performance
• Measuring refrigerant level and making adjustments as needed
• Ensuring that the thermostat is reading indoor temperatures accurately and delivering that data to the HVAC system
• Inspecting condensate lines and drains
• Cleaning outdoor and indoor components to improve air circulation throughout your home
• Replacing air filters if needed

Most experts recommend scheduling air conditioning tune-ups during the spring months to avoid the rush and to ensure that this vital system is ready to go when hot weather arrives. Routine maintenance can also extend the life of your HVAC equipment, allowing you to save money on replacement costs over the long run.

Add Insulating Power

Adding insulation to your attics, floors and crawl spaces can prevent hot air from entering your home and can stop cold air from escaping. This can provide real help for your hard-working HVAC system and can ensure the most comfortable temperatures inside. Installing insulation products can reduce wasted energy and can lower your utility bills to a considerable degree during winter and summer alike.

Keep Air Moving

Proper air circulation is critical to the proper function of your cooling equipment. Using fans to move air inside your home can also help you to feel cooler by increasing the evaporation of moisture in indoor areas and on your skin giving you a slight wind chill effect. This may allow you to bump up the thermostat a few degrees to save money on cooling your home this summer.

Block the Sun’s Rays

Simply closing your shades and drapes to block out the light and heat produced by the sun can have a significant cooling effect on indoor temperatures. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can also block infrared and ultraviolet light, allowing you to enjoy cooler temperatures throughout the summer months. This is especially effective during daylight hours when your home is unoccupied; by preventing heat build-up, you can ensure more comfortable indoor temperatures upon your return.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Working with a professional heating and cooling company to upgrade your older thermostat to a newer programmable model can help you maintain more comfortable temperature levels indoors while saving you money on your monthly electric bills. Programmable thermostats allow you to set higher temperatures for times when your home is typically unoccupied and to reduce these settings automatically before your arrival home. Some can even be controlled through your smartphone or computer, making this a valuable investment in comfort and convenience for you and your family.

The certified technicians at the Nicholson Company offer expert air conditioning repair and replacement services designed to help your family stay cool and comfortable all summer long. We also offer preventive maintenance plans tailored to your specific needs and provide you with emergency services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help keep you comfortable even on the hottest days of the year. For more information on our full lineup of air conditioning maintenance, installation and repair services, call the experts at the Nicholson Company at 828-697-2638. We look forward to the chance to serve your climate control needs.