4 Ways to Stay Cool Without Your Air Conditioner!

Spring has finally sprung, and the weather is finally starting to warm up here in Chicago. Yet many homeowners are not quite ready to commit to the cooling season and turn on their air conditioners. So, the problem becomes keeping the home at a reasonable temperature without our tried and true cooling systems. For this reason, Four Seasons has assembled a few ways to accomplish just that.

Keeping Cool Without the AC

• Air Circulation: Not only will air circulation freshen the air in your home, it also accelerates evaporative cooling. As air whisks across your skin, it helps sweat evaporate thus cooling you down. But, air circulation is a bit more involved than simply opening windows. By strategically placing box, ceiling, or desk fans around the home, you can create a clear path for the air to flow. Open the windows on the first floor and set up fans on the second floor. As heat and air rise to the second floor of your home, the fans will keep this air moving so this area does not become stagnant and hot. If you live in a single floor apartment or other dwelling, open windows on the opposite side of the home to create the same effect.

• Reflective Window Film: Let’s face it. There are simply times when you do not want the windows open. It could be very windy outside, very noisy, or the springtime pollen could be particularly strong. For those days, we recommend installing a reflective film on your windows. This will help keep the heat of the sun out of your home while still allowing comfort from the elements outside.
• Compact Fluorescent Lighting: We talk all the time about the energy benefits of replacing old incandescent lighting with the vastly more efficient and long-lasting compact fluorescent lighting (CFL), but beyond efficiency, these superior lights produce far less heat than their outdated counterparts.
• Avoid the Oven and Stove: These kitchen appliances produce a lot of heat during operation. When not running the air conditioner, ti is important to limit internal sources of heat within the home. Instead of cooking a pot roast, grill outside or consider cold, refreshing meals like ceviche!

Preparing Your Air Conditioner

Eventually, these mild days will turn into scorchers. 75 degrees quickly becomes 95 degrees. When that happens it becomes a necessity to use your air conditioner. So, to prepare your cooling system for that day, we strongly recommend scheduling a Four Seasons Clean and Check. The pounds of snow and strong winds assaulting your unit all winter could have caused damage to the internal components. To ensure a breakdown-free summer, schedule your Four Seasons Clean and Check today for the reduced price of $89.95 (reg. $139.95).