When the summer heat hits, your home becomes an oasis. It turns into a place where you can cool down and take shelter, at least for a few hours. Your air conditioner works very hard at this time of year, but there are things you can do to increase its efficiency and keep it in good shape. The tips below will help you achieve these goals.

1. Put a Special Film on the Windows

If you’re looking for an affordable way to keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter, window film fits the bill. You can do the job yourself or ask someone you trust to take on the task.

2. Take Steps to Weatherize

The last thing you want to do is provide cool air for the entire neighborhood. Stop this from happening by weatherizing your home. Insulation should be placed around air conditioning ducts, and you should also cover potential air leak spots with caulking.

3. Keep Debris Away

If you have an outdoor unit, make sure it has proper airflow by keeping shrubs, bushes, and other landscaping touches at least two feet away. If you see sticks and leaves on the unit, remove them.

4. Don’t Overdo the Pavement

Rocks and cement are great landscaping options, but if you use them too much, it increases the heat on your property.

5. Use Your Ceiling Fans

Run your ceiling fans counterclockwise during the summer. This pushes cool air down and puts less pressure on your air conditioner.

6. Replace Your Old HVAC System

Get an energy-efficient model for your home. This kind of unit costs more money, but it’s worth it in the long run. Make sure the replacement unit is the right size.

7. Get a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat can be manipulated through your smartphone. If you forget to change the temperature before you leave for work, all it takes is a few taps to set things right.

8. Plant Tall Trees near Windows

Tall trees provide shade. Place one in front of a window to help cut down on the amount of heat that gets into the house.

9. Don’t Mess With the Dial

When you dial below 78 degrees on your thermostat, you increase your energy consumption.

10. Put Your A/C in a Shady Place

Find a shaded area in your home away from windows. The cooler the spot is, the less work there is for the air conditioner.

11. Look at the Filters

It’s important to check your air filter once a month and replace it if necessary.

12. Be Careful About Heating Your Air Conditioning

Don’t put heat-producing appliances next to your air conditioner. This includes lamps and televisions.

Norcal Electric & Pump Work is Chico, Los Molinos, Red Bluff , Corning and Northern California’s one-stop-shop for all your Well-Pump Services, Electrical and custom construction project needs. From Well-Pump Services to Electrical Repairs – we’re here for you every step of the way. We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to provide our customers with practical solutions for their Electrical needs. Please give us a call today at one of the following numbers and we’d be more than happy to take care of whatever you need from well-pump services, electrical and lighting, and more! Give us a call at 530-521-7553