Although it doesn’t get extremely hot here in the Portland/Vancouver area, we do get our fair share of hot days. Because we want you to feel your best in hot weather, but also not break the bank by running your AC on full blast, we’re sharing some other ways to help keep your house cool.

Insulate Your Home

Insulation is designed to block air movement. It keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer when installed correctly. You can add insulation behind your drywall and your flooring to help reduce stress on your HVAC system, thus reducing your energy bills.

Close Blinds & Curtains

Did you know sunlight can heat your home? While sunny days are great to admire, you may want to keep your blinds and curtains closed to keep your home cool and take some of the added pressure off your air conditioner.

Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can help make you feel about 4 degrees cooler and keep your AC from working too hard. During the warmer summer months, you’ll want to ensure your ceiling fan rotates in a counterclockwise direction to force air down and make you feel cooler. Then in the winter, flip the switch that’s located at the base to have the air blow in a clockwise direction.

Replace or Clean the Air Filter

Your air filter is designed to trap dust, dirt, pollen, and other contaminants so over time, it can become clogged. When this happens, your HVAC system has to work harder to cool your home as effectively. Check your HVAC system’s owner’s manual for guidelines on how often to clean and replace your air filter.

Inspect Your Ductwork

If you have a traditional HVAC system that relies on ductwork to circulate air throughout your home, you may want to have the ductwork inspected. Improper seals, holes, and loose ductwork can cause your HVAC system to not circulate properly.

Add a Dehumidifier

If you live in a humid climate where you sweat and it doesn’t evaporate, you may want to add a humidifier in your home to help remove excess moisture from the air.

Air Conditioning Specialists in Portland and Vancouver

We hope these tips help you stay cool all summer long. If you have any questions or are need to upgrade your HVAC system, contact Apex Air in Vancouver WA and Portland OR. Our air conditioning specialists will ensure you have a system that is ready to keep you comfortable during the warm summer months.