What are your go-to heating and cooling hacks, tips and tricks for summer? The pinnacle of the sweltering months has arrived, and with barbeque season in full swing, you’re probably relying on your HVAC system more than ever.

Depending on where you live, summer might mean several months in a row of blasting the A/C — or it might mean really cool summer nights in which you inch your thermostat up for a comfortable night’s sleep.

No matter what temperature you prefer or where you live, a perfectly working HVAC system is just one of the must-haves for summer.

Heating and cooling aren’t just for comfort — they’re also for safety. Every year people in the United States die from heatstroke, mostly among vulnerable populations (infants and the elderly).

These cases are most common in hot locations where victims don’t have access to temperature-controlled environments. Here are some of the best hacks for regulating your temperature this summer for every budget and every body:

• Get your HVAC system serviced: This should have been on your spring cleaning list, but if it slipped through the cracks, don’t worry. It’s not too late. You put the highest demands on your heating and cooling system in the summer and winter. Make sure it’s functioning flawlessly so you get the highest benefit without causing your utility bill to skyrocket.
• Get a cross breeze: If your home features a hallway between doors on either end of your home, take advantage of it. Nothing compares to a good summer breeze, and it might be strong enough that you can give your HVAC system a rest. You’ll also get fresh air and the aroma of nearby summer gardens into the house, and it’ll encourage you, your family and your pets to play outside.
• Regulate your temperature with a healthy diet: Cool down from the inside out by snacking on homemade juice pops, freshly squeezed lemonade, or treat yourself with a mid-day gelato or ice cream. Plus, those few seconds you’re in the freezer will be a welcome reprieve from the heat.
• Insulate your windows: Your HVAC system could be working perfectly, but if your windows aren’t well-insulated, then it’s all for nothing. You’re basically trying to cool down the entire neighborhood, and that’s a battle you won’t win. You can upgrade to Energy Star windows, seal them, add a film for extra insulation or add window dressings to help trap cool air.
• Let your childhood inspire you: What were your favorite ways to cool down as a kid? Maybe it was a nearby park with a fountain to play in, a slip and slide or the old-school lawn sprinkler. Icy cold water from the hose is something you never outgrow — and you don’t need to have kids to squeeze in a summer workout while cooling down running through the sprinklers.

Ready to keep your cool? Contact Sandy Heating & Cooling for more ways to cool off.

Is air conditioning installation rocket science? Not quite, but one wrong move can damage your air conditioner, lead to high monthly bills and ultimately destroy the energy efficiency in your carefully chosen model. It is possible for HVAC contractors to make mistakes, which is why homeowners need to do their due diligence when shopping for a contractor.

However, it is still a good idea to know what the most common mistakes are so you can spot them if your contractor ends up underperforming. The first is a biggie: failing to know about combustion safety. The first place most contractors turn when a carbon monoxide alarm goes off is the furnace to check for a leak, and if none is found, it may be dubbed a false alarm. However, backdrafting is a real issue, so testing flue gases is a must.

Here are a few more oversights that happen too often:

1. Forgetting about air flow

If you have not heard of a ductopus, count yourself lucky (it’s when ductwork gets out of control). Air flow usually requires bigger duct systems than what has been installed. A lot of ductwork is subpar, not the right size and prone to leaking. Understanding air flow should be HVAC Basics 101, but it is not.

2. Skimping on home performance

A lot of contractors have tunnel vision and overlook opportunities to share with homeowners how their overall home performance could improve. Just because a contractor is called in to repair a boiler doesn’t mean he can’t point out ways to improve the central air, too. It’s silly, since speaking up will benefit both the homeowner and the contractor.

3. What’s the “V” in HVAC for, again?

A lot of contractors completely forget about ventilation — and if you don’t have the V, you’re left with a HAC/hack. Ventilation can be difficult in newer homes that are sealed tightly, but spot ventilation is critical, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens.

4. Ditching the math

“This is how I’ve always done it,” is a poor mantra for a contractor. With so many HVAC systems out there, you simply cannot go without running the numbers. To get the right size and minimize heat/cool air loss, the contractor needs to have an equation worked out. Otherwise, he or she is just guessing. Mistakes can be made, but they can also be avoided. Make sure your contractor is reputable and reliable.

The biggest mistake of all may actually be that of the homeowners: failing to research contractors thoroughly. Get started on the right path today by connecting with Utah’s Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning team, a local company that sets the HVAC installation bar high.

Now that summer has arrived, signs you need AC repair are likely much more obvious. Particularly in states like Utah, where the summer can really sizzle, you depend on your air conditioner like you depend on clean drinking water. However, the signs that something’s amiss, repairs are needed or maintenance is due were likely there for a long time. Unfortunately, it’s easy to put some chores on the back burner. Many air conditioner repair contractors are incredibly busy this time of year, but they could have easily made these repairs during the cooler months, if they had been reported then.

Do you think you need A/C repair? If you suspect it, you probably do (or at least a thorough inspection). If your HVAC system isn’t performing like you think it should, don’t delay. Call in the professionals immediately. The longer a potential problem persists, the worse it can become. What could be a minor electrical issue can turn into a full-blown fire or breakdown if you ignore the red flags.

Here are some of the biggest signs you may need A/C repair:

1. It’s not as cool as it used to be. Is your air conditioner actually running warmer, or is it all in your head? There’s only one way to find out. Even if it turns out you’re the one running warmer than usual, if it’s been more than a year since your last HVAC inspection, it’s still better to play it safe. There may be ways to get cooler air, or to insulate your home better in order to trap that cold air for longer.

2. It’s making a weird noise. The older the system, the more likely it is to make noise. However, you shouldn’t be hyper aware of your A/C operating, no matter its age. If you notice a noise, call in the experts. It could be a minor repair, or it could be a sign of a much bigger problem. You get used to noises in your home, so take a moment to listen carefully. If a noise sounds off, it probably is.

3. Your electric bill is through the roof. It’s normal to have a higher electrical bill in the summer, since you’re operating your A/C. However, there’s such a thing as too high. If you suspect your bill is unnecessarily high, especially compared to last year’s at the same time, something’s wrong. It might not be your air conditioner, but that’s a good place to start looking.

4. There’s a strange smell. If you notice a smell coming from your air conditioner, that’s a huge red flag. Call a professional immediately, since this could be a sign of refrigerant leaks or a power issue. If possible, keep your HVAC system turned off until the technician arrives.

Prevention is the best approach with your HVAC system. Call Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule a maintenance check or repair.