During the dog days of summer, even the most sophisticated air conditioning systems might struggle to keep up. Here are 5 tricks you can use to cool off a room fast and how N.E.T.R., Inc. can help you get reliable AC even on the hottest days.
1. Turn Your Ceiling Fans the Other Way
Did you know that the direction of your ceiling fans can — and should — be changed based on the season? In the winter, it’s best for your fan to be turning clockwise since this pushes warm air upwards and helps to circulate it around the room. In the summer, your fans should be turning counterclockwise to push air down. This creates a cool breeze that works to help you feel more comfortable almost immediately.
To find out which way your fan is turning, stand underneath it and look up at the blades. If they move from left to right, they are moving clockwise. If they move from right to left, this is your counterclockwise summer setting.
2. Lower the Humidity
Rooms with high humidity can feel hotter than drier rooms, especially during the late afternoon as the day’s temperature reaches its highest point. Lowering the humidity in your home can keep you more comfortable by reducing the amount of moisture your indoor air is able to hold.
Dehumidifiers are readily available at retail superstores and home hardware stores and vary widely in size and price. You can get a small, one-room model for around $50 that you can use to quickly zap humidity and lower the temps in your space.
It’s also a good idea to look into what you can do to improve your air quality. Upgrading your filter or using an air purifier can help reduce allergies and eliminate bacteria, dust, and other potentially harmful particulates from your air.
3. Don’t Use Hot Appliances
It’s a good idea to avoid using hot appliances like your oven or a hair dryer in the summer, since they can work against you by putting more heat into the air that your HVAC system then has to work harder to cool down.
On very hot days, try to use other appliances like your microwave to make food or consider line drying your clothes instead of using your commercial dryer. Even if you have a sophisticated heat pump system, taking proactive steps to reduce the strain on your mini split can help it operate more efficiently and keep you more comfortable when the weather is sweltering.
4. Put Ice In Front of Your Fan
One old tried and true method to cool down a room fast is to place a bucket or bowl of ice in front of a fan and turn the fan on a high setting directly towards you. Try to sit as close as possible to the fan, since the air will warm up the farther it has to travel to you.
While rudimentary and not a strategy you want to rely on regularly for cooling, the ice-fan tactic works effectively to quickly lower the temperature around you and can be helpful in emergency situations. If your air conditioner breaks on a very hot day or someone is at risk of heat stroke, you can do this as a last resort to buy time until help becomes available.
5. Switch to a Ductless Mini Split
If you’re looking for a long-term solution that will allow you to quickly cool a room at any time, a ductless heat pump is an excellent choice. Mini split systems use sophisticated heat transfer technology to create a cooling effect with less energy and offer multiple innovative features that allow you to get near-instant comfort.
Although the upfront cost of ductless is higher than buying a portable air conditioner from your local hardware store, your ongoing operating expenses will be lower. Plus, heat pumps have several other advantages, like the ability to work as a heater in the winter. Can your window AC do that?
Get Experienced Help with Your Home Cooling Today
At N.E.T.R., Inc., we know how critical cooling is for families during Boston’s hot and humid summers. Contact us today for air conditioning repair or to explore your options for energy-efficient home comfort. Call now by dialing (781) 428-4478.
