Issue 31.16
There is common expression heard during this time of year in Dixie, that expression is we are in the ‘Dog Days of Summer’. What does that saying mean and why do we use it, especially during this time of year. The dog days are not only hottest, but the most humid days of summer; uncomfortable days is the best expression. The Old Farmer’s Almanac, explains that the phase ‘Dog Days’ entreats up the hottest, sultriest days of summer,” coinciding with heliacal rising of Sirius, the dog star, in the constellation Canis Majoris. These ‘Dog Days’ or monsoon season is the toughest season of the year on your homes cooling system due to the higher humidity and heat levels in the air. You may notice that your air conditioner runs longer and may not cool as well. Here are a few tips to keep yourself cool during this season.
- If your air conditioner is on, be sure to close your home’s windows and outside doors. For room air conditioners, isolate the room or a group of connected rooms as much as possible from the rest of your home.
- Keep window shades draw during the day light hours.
- Make sure that the thermostat is programmed or set at reasonable temperatures for the season. We recommend 78 degrees. Remember setting the thermostat to a considerably lower temperature will not make the air conditioner cool faster.
- Change filter monthly. If you allow filters and air conditioning coils to become dirty, the air conditioner will not work properly, and the compressor or fans are likely to fail prematurely.
- Keep your cooling system properly maintained and charged with refrigerant. If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, either it was undercharged at installation or it leaks. If it leaks, simply adding refrigerant is not a solution. A trained technician should fix any leak, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant. Remember that the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner is greatest when the refrigerant charge exactly matches the manufacturer’s specification, and is neither undercharged nor overcharged. Refrigerant leaks can also be harmful to the environment.
- Air conditioner manufacturers generally make rugged, high quality products. If your air conditioner fails, begin by checking any fuses or circuit breakers. Let the unit cool down for about five minutes before resetting any breakers.
- If you have done all these things and the system is still not cooling, call us immediately at 435-628-4334, “We Are Always There for You”.
If you allow filters and air conditioning coils to become dirty, the air conditioner will not work properly, and the compressor or fans are likely to fail prematurely.