How to Troubleshoot Air Conditioner Problems Central air conditioning is one of those wonderful modern marvels that makes our interiors cool and comfortable. They run in the background of our lives, until they break down and then all things hot and humid come inside. Unfortunately, such breakdowns and mishaps seem [...] Efficient Air Conditioning System Design for New Home Given the importance of efficiency, value and cost when it comes to an air conditioning unit, we at Howard Air understand the necessity of a good system design. An ill-designed AC system not only costs the consumer more on their energy bill, but it [...] Is Your Central Air Conditioning Unit Not Cooling Your Home? There are a variety of things that could cause your air conditioning unit to not cool your home properly. Some solutions to these problems can be done on your own, but others may require contacting professional help, like the friendly folks at Howard Air. How Much Does Air Conditioning Installation Cost?

Deciding to install a new air conditioner is an important investment in your home. The cost of the air conditioner itself will account for most of the expense, but labor can also be [...] What is the Most Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner? After more than 30 years of successful AC repairs and installations, we’ve learned what matters most to our customers at Howard Air. They want reliable air conditioning at a competitive price, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing their installation and maintenance [...] Best Priced, Inexpensive AC Units on the Market If you’re a homeowner or a commercial building owner looking to replace an AC unit, at Howard Air we understand that value is at the top of your list of concerns. Generally, our customers tell us that saving money is one [...] How Does Air Conditioning Work? You know your air conditioning system keeps your home or business cool in the hot summer months, but have you ever wondered how it works?

One interesting fact you might not know is that your air conditioner and your refrigerator work primarily the same [...] What are the Best Air Conditioner Brands? As with any other product, each AC manufacturer has its loyal fans. At Howard Air, with more than 30 years of experience installing and repairing air conditioners in one of the hottest climates in the country, we like to think we’ve got a pretty [...] EPA Warns That Recharging Air Conditioners with Wrong Refrigerant Poses Injury, Fire Risks An air conditioner recharge not done properly can be very dangerous. Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warned consumers of the numerous safety hazards involved in using propane in both home air conditioners and motor vehicle AC systems. At Howard Air, we know [...]In warmer months, it's tempting to crank the AC or plant yourself in front of the nearest fan. But these aren't the only tricks to keeping cool. It turns out there are plenty of ways to buffer your home from the heat without racking up your electric bill.

And they’ll make you feel like a DIY champ, too. Keep your cool, and… 1. Keep your blinds closed. As simple as this tip may seem, Family Handyman notes that up to 30 percent of unwanted heat comes from your windows, and utilizing shades, curtains and the like can save you up to 7 percent on your bills and lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees. ac window unit size calculatorIn other words, closing the blinds essentially prevents your home from becoming a miniature greenhouse, which is especially the case for south- and west-facing windows.how much are 5 ton ac units 2. Be smart about your doors.central air conditioner unit covers Closing off rooms will prevent the cool air from permeating these areas during the hottest part of the day.

You'll want to capitalize on the cooler night hours, too, letting air flow naturally through your home. 3. Hack a fan instead of turning on the AC. Not even an air conditioner can give off a faux sea breeze... but this simple trick can. Fill a mixing bowl with ice (or something equally cold, like an ice pack) and position it at an angle in front of a large fan, so that the air whips off the ice at an extra-chilled, extra-misty temperature. Trust us: it's magic. 4. Swap your sheets. Not only does seasonally switching up your bedding freshen up a room, it's a great way to keep cool. While textiles like flannel sheets and fleece blankets are fantastic for insulation, cotton is a smarter move this time of year as it breathes easier and stays cooler. And as an added bonus, buy yourself a buckwheat pillow or two. Because buckwheat hulls have a naturally occurring air space between them, they won't hold on to your body heat like conventional pillows, even when packed together inside a pillow case.

5. Set your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise. Whether you know it or not, your ceiling fan needs to be adjusted seasonally. Set counter-clockwise in the summer at a higher speed, the fan's airflow will create a wind-chill breeze effect that will make you and your guests "feel" cooler. 6. Focus on the temperature in your body, not the house. If your ancestors survived without air conditioning, so can you. From sipping tasty iced drinks to applying a cold cloth to strong-pulsed areas like your neck and wrists, cooling yourself from the inside out is not a bad idea. Other tricks include being smart about your clothing choices and telling your partner you won't be cuddling until the leaves start changing color. 7. Turn on your bathroom fans. ...or the exhaust fan in your kitchen, for that matter. Both of these pull the hot air that rises after you cook or take a steamy shower out of your apartment. 8. Heat-proof your bed. Go straight to the source, and put a cool-inducing Chillow under your head while you sleep.

For feet, fill a hot water bottle and put it in the freezer before placing at the foot of your bed. And it sounds strange, but slightly dampening your sheets before bedtime will majorly help you chill out. 9. Let the night air in. During the summer months, temperatures may drop during the night. If this is the case where you live, make the most of these refreshing hours by cracking the windows before you go to bed. You can even create a wind tunnel by strategically setting up your fans to force the perfect cross breeze. Just be sure to close the windows (and the blinds) before things get too hot in the morning. 10. Ditch the incandescent lights. If you ever needed motivation to make the switch to CFLs, or compact fluorescent lamps, this is it. Incandescent bulbs waste about 90 percent of their energy in the heat they emit, so tossing them to the curb will make a small difference in cooling your home while lowering your electric bill. It's obvious, but we're going to say it anyway: Using your oven or stove in the summer will make your house hotter.