Summer Heat in Georgia & Alabama: How to Stay Cool & Not Overwork Your AC

During the summer months, our air conditioning repair company in Smiths Station Alabama, Columbus Georgia and other surrounding communities, gets a lot of calls concerning different systems that are not functioning properly. We understand it: maintaining a comfortable temperature in Georgia and Alabama is a major endeavor.

On the other hand, there are occasions when customers contact and their system is genuinely operating as well as it possibly can given the conditions. Unfortunately, your air conditioning unit has the most problem doing its job when the summer temperature in Georgia is at its most uncomfortable. This is because AC systems are not truly designed to manage days with temperatures of 95° or 100°, so they struggle the most when temperatures reach those extremes. Instead, they are meant for use in climates with temperatures that are not as severe and can bring about a temperature reduction of up to 20 degrees.

When the heat is at its most intolerable, what should you do if your air conditioner is unable to keep you cool? You can take a number of different actions to lower the temperature without putting too much pressure on your system; the nine most effective strategies are broken down into two groups below. After going over those strategies, we will investigate whether the heat is to blame or whether you do, in fact, require immediate AC repair service.

Here Are Four Ways to Make the Most of Your Ceiling Fan to Reduce Your Reliance On Your Air Conditioner

Even though some of the methods you can employ to stay cool without taxing your HVAC system are not directly tied to cooling equipment and technology (see the section below for more information on this topic), many of the strategies are. When it’s extremely hot outside, you can bring the temperature down by using your air conditioner and fans in the following ways:

1. Start the fans and put in some ice.

You will want to activate all of the fans that you own across the entirety of your home, including the ceiling fans as well as any additional you might have. If you want to make more of an impression, put some ice in a roasting pan and then place that pan in front of an oscillating fan. As the ice melts, this method will produce a refreshing mist for you to enjoy.

2. Create a cross-breeze.

In order to beat the heat of the Florida summer, you can create a cross-breeze by positioning a fan such that it is facing directly opposite a window. Install additional fans at various points across the space to get even higher levels of air circulation.

3. Invest in a programmable or smart thermostat.

If you are able to adjust your thermostat in such a way that it is more energy efficient, you will be able to reduce the expense of heating and cooling your home by as much as ten percent. With the controls that are offered by a smart thermostat, you may improve the effectiveness of your HVAC system and help relieve some of the strain that it is under. These high-tech devices incorporate components such as motion sensors to ascertain when you are present in the house as well as analyses of the prevailing weather conditions in the area. Because these devices are programmable, you can use the cooling system just when it is necessary, and you can let the temperature in the house rise while you are sleeping or gone.

4. Change the air filter in your home.

You should change out your air filter at least twice a year at the very least. By employing this uncomplicated strategy, you will be able to generate a more uniform airflow. Your air conditioner may need to put in more effort if the filters have not been changed in a while. Not only will you be unable to cool your home down nearly as quickly, but you also run the risk of causing various components to break down (such as the evaporator coils and the blower fans).

On those sweltering days, there are other ways to help your air conditioner out.

In addition to installing fans and making adjustments to your HVAC system, there are many other tactics at your disposal, including the following:

1. Start your day with a chilly shower or bath.

If your air conditioner is not able to keep up with the high summer temperatures in Florida, you may feel as though you are overheating and it may be necessary for you to cool off immediately. If this is the case, a quick fix is to subject your body to the opposite of what it is experiencing by taking a cold shower or bath. If you are pressed for time, even simple measures such as splashing a little water on your face and soaking your feet in ice water might be beneficial. Be careful to wet your hair; if you do and you keep it wet for the next couple of hours, you will continue to feel cooler than you did before.

2. Drink water.

Drink some water to slake your thirst. If you find that the flavor is not satisfying enough for you, try adding some fresh fruit to the water. Switching to anything that will dehydrate you, such soda, alcohol, coffee, energy drinks, or lemonade, is a much better option than using this all-natural flavor enhancer. A minimum of a half gallon of fluids should be consumed during the course of the day, with the primary focus being on water (although fruit juice, tea, milk, milk replacements, sports drinks, and coconut water are also hydrating). Water should be your primary priority.

3. Sleep alone, spread-eagle.

During the hot months of summer in Florida, it is a good idea to imagine yourself lying on your bed by yourself with your arms and legs stretched out. This may sound ludicrous, but it is actually a good idea. Your body temperature will be reduced as a result of the increased airflow around you made possible by sleeping in this position and without a bed mate.

4. Cook on the grill and low and slow.

Since your oven can produce a significant amount of heat, using your backyard grill is an excellent option to gain greater efficiency in terms of cooling. When you are cooking inside, it is recommended that you utilize a range hood fan and a slow cooker as much as possible.

5. Turn off the lights and fetch some candles from the table.

Your lights will give off heat regardless of whether you use energy-efficient CFL light bulbs or traditional incandescent bulbs. The fact that the days are longer in the summer is excellent news because it means that you will not need to switch them on as frequently and can instead make use of the sunlight. Make an effort to reduce the amount of light you use in the evenings; this provides a perfect opportunity for a romantic meal by candlelight.

6. Find a way to block the sun.

Even though exposure to sunlight can improve lighting, there is always the risk of overheating. Installing window coverings that keep out the light and the heat while still letting in the view can help you save down on your utility bills and make your air conditioning unit happier.