Tag Archives: air conditioning service

Your Energy-Saving Summer Checklist

Your Energy-Saving Summer Checklist

The long days, blazing sun, and high temperatures of summer have returned to Fort Worth, and for many people, that means their AC unit is working hard. Air conditioning can be a lifesaver in this season – literally – but it can also be costly in terms of energy and utility bills. At Arthur Hagar, our dedication to upholding our place as Fort Worth’s Top Rated Local® HVAC specialists includes helping you to optimize the efficiency of your air conditioner and find ways to stay comfortable throughout the summer without the high costs.

In today’s blog post, we have a summer checklist to help you keep costs and temperatures low. Follow these steps for a more relaxing season, and don’t forget to call Arthur Hagar for all your air conditioning service needs! Whether it’s time for a brand new AC unit or your existing system needs a little TLC, our team of experts is here to help. We want you to stay safe this summer!

Reprogram Your Thermostat

If you have a programmable thermostat, then you likely know the savings that can come with the ability to automatically adjust the output of your HVAC system. However, those savings depend on how you set your thermostat!

In the winter, you likely programmed your thermostat to allow the house to naturally cool while you were away, saving the effort of your furnace or heat pump for when you come home. The settings should be the opposite for the summer! If you forget to change the programming, it can end up raising your utility bills instead of lowering them, so this should be a high priority on your summer savings checklist.

In the summer, you should program your HVAC settings for a higher temperature while you’re away so your AC unit isn’t trying to keep you cool when you’re at work or running errands. When you are at home, the Energy Department recommends a setting around 78 degrees for a healthy and budget-friendly home environment. This is the temperature you should choose for your “wake time” and “return time.” For more information, check out our blog post on how to make the most of your programmable thermostat!

Cover Your Windows

Your next cost- and energy-saving trick is covering your windows to prevent natural heat gain from sunlight. In winter, we recommend leaving your curtains open to allow the sun to naturally heat your home. We want to avoid that in the summer, so invest in shades or other window treatments and make sure they’re in place before you leave your home. For an extra energy-efficient boost, look specifically for insulating window treatments.

Turn on the Fan

Fans create the “wind chill” effect, where the movement of air helps your body cool off faster. If you employ a few fans throughout your home in the summer, you can set your thermostat for a few degrees higher than you would normally, sparing your AC unit the extra effort.

There are a few tricks to making sure you are using fans efficiently. For one, make sure ceiling fans are rotating counter-clockwise to encourage the circulation of cool air. You should also keep in mind that fans help you stay cool, but they don’t affect the overall temperature of the room, so turn them off when you move to another part of the house. For more guidance on how to use fans efficiently, you can find guidance from the Department of Energy.

Turn off Heat-Producing Appliances

All kinds of electronics give off a small amount of heat when in operation — some appliances, like your oven, give off more than others. Reducing how much you use these appliances can help reduce stress on your HVAC system. You don’t want to add more heat to a room you’re trying to cool, after all.

Appliances you should try to use more mindfully include the oven, dishwasher, clothes dryer, and artificial lights, especially inefficient incandescent light bulbs. Grill up some tasty treats outside instead of baking, and take advantage of the long days of natural sunlight. If you can’t air dry your clothes or dishes, try to only use your dryer or dishwasher when it is fully loaded to minimize the energy draw.

Schedule a Maintenance Check-Up

Last but not least, make sure your air conditioning is in tip-top shape with a maintenance tune-up from Arthur Hagar. Now that we’re in the heat of things, problems with your air conditioning can turn dangerous, with the possibility of serious health concerns like dehydration or heat stroke. The Arthur Hagar team is here for your emergency AC repair needs, but we can also help you prevent that kind of panic with a maintenance check-up.

Regular HVAC maintenance includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, which gives your technician an opportunity to find and address issues like cracked parts or loose belts to ensure they don’t lead to an overall system failure. Cleaning your ductwork and changing your air filters can also contribute to a more efficient AC unit and a more comfortable home without the uncomfortably high bills.

Invest in the health and safety of your home and family today — contact Arthur Hagar to schedule an air conditioner maintenance appointment! We’ll work quickly, effectively, and safely to ensure your HVAC system is in peak shape, utilizing high-quality parts and the talents of our experienced technicians. Stay cool this summer, and trust Fort Worth’s Top Rated Local® HVAC specialists. Call or use our easy online form today to get started!

4 Ways to Extend the Life of Your AC Unit

4 Ways to Extend the Life of Your AC Unit

Your air conditioner is an investment. It cost a pretty penny, but it should last for years. Let Arthur Hagar help it last even longer with quality air conditioning repair and maintenance services. We have been serving the Fort Worth area since 1949 with a dedication to customer comfort and satisfaction. To help you get… Continue Reading

Tips for Handling Indoor Allergens, Part 1

It’s spring, which, for many people, means that it’s allergy system. Whether you experience asthma, hay fever, or seasonal allergies, the outside world may seem like an invisible obstacle course of pollen and other irritants. Your home may seem like a refuge in comparison, but indoor allergens can pose just as much of a problem.… Continue Reading

5 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Help

Spring is here and summer is close behind! Is your air conditioner ready to beat the Texas heat? As the temperatures rise, watch for signs that your AC unit is working with diminished efficiency or effectiveness. You may be able to catch smaller issues and prevent big problems before your air conditioner quits when you… Continue Reading

What Is a Heat Pump?

What Is a Heat Pump?

If you’re looking for a way to better control the temperature inside your home, Arthur Hagar offers you many options. A heat pump, despite what its name might suggest, can be a solution to both cooling and heating your home. It works well for moderate climates like the Fort Worth area, and heat pumps are… Continue Reading

Protecting Your HVAC System After a Storm

Protecting Your HVAC System After a Storm

After Hurricane Harvey recently caused unprecedented damage to areas of Southeast Texas, there is no doubt that hurricane season is now in full swing. While Fort Worth residents were spared from a large majority of the flooding and severe weather, that doesn’t mean that we are safe from these events in the future. Fort Worth… Continue Reading

Tips to Cut Your Cooling Costs this Summer

Tips to Cut Your Cooling Costs this Summer

With daytime temperatures consistently over 90 degrees, there’s no doubt that we’re in the thick of summertime in Texas. These constant, hot temperatures can send your AC bill skyrocketing, leaving many homeowners scrambling to find ways to reduce their cooling costs. Arthur Hagar Air Conditioning and Heating has been providing leading HVAC services to the… Continue Reading

Is Your Thermostat in the Right Location?

Is Your Thermostat in the Right Location?

During the hot summer and the cold winter, maintaining a steady, comfortable temperature inside of your home can be challenging, however, there are a couple of things that can help make it easier. Making sure your thermostat is installed in an optimal location is one way to ensure HVAC efficiency in your home. Another way… Continue Reading

3 Quick and Easy Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

3 Quick and Easy Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

Summer is upon us here in the Fort Worth area, and that can only mean one thing: your air conditioner is probably already working overtime to keep your home cool and comfortable. Arthur Hagar Air Conditioning and Heating has been providing local residents with industry-leading HVAC service for more than 65 years, and we know… Continue Reading

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ARTHUR HAGAR AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
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FORT WORTH, TX 76140
Phone: 817-478-1122
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