Since a good chunk of the country is experiencing sweltering temperatures, here are four tips to boost your air conditioner's performance in a heat wave:
- Don't mess with the thermostat - Set it at the temp you want and leave it alone. Setting it lower to try to cool things down faster is inefficient.
- Clean the filters and coils - Dirty filters impede air flow, and dusty coils make it harder for the unit to cool your house. Basic maintenance goes a long way.
- Turn off heat-producing appliances - During the hottest part of the day, turn off anything that produces heat, like stoves, dishwashers, and lights.
- Run a ceiling fan - Having the breeze blowing on you will help cool you down faster.
SOURCE: NPR