Our fall ends on Friday, and we're still $5,000 short of our goal.I've been told that in the Mother Jones DC bureau last week, a debate raged over whether or not it's only crazy cat ladies who leave the air conditioner on all day for pets. I can see both sides: Sure, it's pitiful to see dogs pant and cats make themselves as flat as possible to beat the heat, especially during gnarly heat waves. And yes, it's true that pets are unable to doff their fur coats. On the other hand, their ancestors lived outside for eons before we domesticated them, so surely they must be heartier than we give them credit for. What's more, round-the-clock AC is exorbitantly expensive and contributes significantly to climate change, as the New York Times recently reported. Because of the soaring demand for air conditioning worldwide, and because the gases emitted by modern cooling equipment are extremely potent planet warmers, scientists estimate that AC units could account for a staggering 27 percent of global warming by 2050.

So is it really necessary to chill Fido all day long? I decided to call a few veterinarians to settle the argument once and for all. Dr. Helen Myers, veterinarian at the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center, had this to say in an email: When the temperature and humidity rise, it becomes crucial to keep our pets comfortable and safe. Animals cool themselves by panting, a process of exchanging warm air from their lungs for the cooler air outside. This cannot happen when it is hot and humid, which leads to increased risk for heat stress and exhaustion. Leaving the air circulating with fans or, better yet, leaving the air conditioning on will help to keep pets cool and healthy. Thermostats should ideally be set at 78-80 degrees, an appropriate comfort level for most pets. Basements are typically cooler than the rest of the house, so if your basement is a comfortable place for your pet to be, having them spend time down there during a heat wave is also an option. Pets should also always have access to fresh water, as they can get dehydrated.

Both cats and dogs are susceptible to excessive heat and humidity, but cats are more likely to control their activity so as not to add heat from muscle activity. Elderly, overweight, and pets with heart or lung diseases should be carefully watched, as they are highly susceptible to heat stroke. Pets with short muzzles like pugs, bulldogs and Persian cats are at a higher risk of becoming overheated because they cannot effectively pant. These pets should be kept in rooms with air conditioning so they can stay cool. Kimberly May, a veterinarian and spokeswoman for the American Veterinary Medicine Association, added that it's important to observe your pet and adjust the indoor temperature according to its particular needs. "Keep an eye on your pet and see where your pet hangs out," says May. "If your dog is constantly by the AC vent, you probably shouldn't turn it off. But if you see the dog sitting in the sunlight, you might have a little more leeway." As a general rule of thumb, cats are often slightly more heat-tolerant than dogs, and for both species, the longer the fur, the more uncomfortable the animal will be in extreme heat.

As for the argument that animals don't need AC since their forebears dealt with heat just fine, May doesn't buy it. "We've domesticated them and ruined all that," she says. ac-dc power supply meaning"It's not smart to make an assumption about their needs based on their ancestors. heating air conditioning units wallWe've changed their diets; how much is my old ac unit worthwe've changed a lot of things." A few other tips from May: You can try putting ice in your pet's water bowl, but only if your animal is comfortable with it; some cats and dogs are freaked by ice and won't drink ice water at all. Some dogs like the pricey cooling pads sold at pet stores and on the internet (this one is $79.99 on eBay) but others won't go near them.

Walk dogs in the early morning or evening, and keep the walks short. Don't go running with your dog, since dogs will keep going, even if they're overheating. How can you tell if your animals are hot? Why, compare them to pictures of sweltering critters on the internet, of course. A few to get you started: These cats are eagerly awaiting the unveiling of their cooling station: Dog in a cooler: Here's a hot cat hanging out by a window: Here's a hot cat in Tokyo: And here's one who finds a potted plant cooling:AC CompanyOur local AC company is committed to delivering the highest quality of work 24/7. We do repairs, replacements, and installations for residential properties for central air conditioning units to include duct work and furnace heating systems. We offer several different guarantees to ensure you are 100% satisfied. With third party financing, our family owned and operated company aims to make our service affordable and available when you need it. Call us to schedule an appointment today.

Call our AC company for all your system’s needsRepairs, replacements, installs(866) 464-7132Air Conditioning ServicesOur list of AC company services are aimed at giving our customers the highest level of satisfaction. Our dependability and the quality of training our staff undergoes reinforces our commitment to being the best in the local area. To best serve our clients, we offer the following:AC serviceAir conditioning repairAC installation24/7 AC repairAir conditioning replacementHome air conditioningAir conditioning maintenanceDuctless mini splitIndoor air qualityCentral air conditioningNew air conditionerHVACAC RepairAs an AC company, we offer a full range of AC repair services. With a team of certified professionals, we are ready to handle every aspect of your home air conditioning system, day or night. Our repair service will get the cold air flowing through your ducts and vents again in no time. We know that you cannot wait till Monday to get your air conditioning fixed in this climate.

That is why we will come to your home on weekends or even on holidays and will never charge you an after-hours fee. We are sure that you will be pleased with our 24/7 AC repairs. You will never need to worry about the person knocking on your door, because our techs all wear uniforms with name tags. They have also passed background checks and drug tests. We want you to be 100% comfortable with all our AC services.AC ReplacementWhen it comes to our AC replacement service, we guarantee that we will install the right sized unit for your home. As a professional AC company, we will also give you a free estimate. New air conditioners do not have to be a headache for you. A replacement air conditioner might be a great way to lower your power bills, as well. Do you have a portion of your home that needs to be cooler than the rest? A ductless mini split system is a great solution! It can also be used to cool down new rooms, or just to augment your existing AC system. We would be happy to come and do an on-site visit to let you know the best way to maximize your home’s internal temperature.

Call our office today to make an appointment. HVAC ServiceIf you are having problems with your HVAC system, we are the AC company to call. Providing high quality air in your home has many health benefits. There are several HVAC services that we can offer you to remove mold and dust from the air in your home. From regular filter changes to ductwork cleaning, dehumidifiers, and air filtration lights, we can do it all! We welcome the chance to go over them with you in person. We will come up with the best solution for you and your home. Give us a call for more info on how to maximize the quality of air your family breathes.Our AC company also services home heating systems. While the warm weather usually dominates, chilly winters make their presence known. We provide a furnace service for both gas and electric models. Whether you are wanting preventative maintenance to make sure it is in working order for the winter months, or the system fails at first need, call us! No after-hours fee for 24/7 repairsFree estimates on replacements(866) 464-7132Call our AC company in Tallahassee, Bainbridge, Quincy, or nearby areas.

With the latest, most advanced HVAC equipment and a highly experienced staff, we have the tools to handle any heating or air conditioning task, big or small, residential or commercial.Learn MoreYour Bainbridge heating system is no different than your expensive car. Your gas furnace, your oil furnace, your heat pump, and residential heating units all require regular maintenance.Learn MoreWhy should you be concerned with Bainbridge indoor air quality? Poor indoor air quality is one of the leading reasons why people suffer from allergies and other cardiovascular ailments.Learn MoreOur comfort club members receive VIP treatment which includes priority scheduling, 15% discounts, free annual maintenance. It’s the best way to save money and time.Learn MoreCALL US866-464-7132Or e-mail us and receive a call within 15 minutes!Your system needs to be analyzed for maximum comfort and savings. Our Energy Survey will help you find ways to make your home’s system more efficient, saving you energy dollars.