Technically, summer lasts as long as any other season, but it always feels like the shortest. By the time the end of August rolls around, the kids are back in school and we can't help but feel an autumnal mood come around a little early. That's why many of us jam-pack our summers with vacations and activities, eager to get the most out of warm temps and languid weather.

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Our customers want to get the most out of their air conditioning systems during the summer, too. Today, we're sharing the tips that have saved customers the most money throughout our years as heating and air conditioning technicians throughout Montgomery County, PA, and the rest of the Philadelphia area.

Get a Tune-Up

You're pretty sure that the clanking, rattling sound in your pipes when you switch on the thermostat isn't a ghost.  But it's something that could end up being scarier: a faulty air conditioning system. It's important to check for unusual noises like hissing, crackling, or banging to avoid a hair-raising energy bill or costly emergency services later on.

If you think something unusual is going on with your system, enlist the help of an HVAC technician right away. Even if things seem to be running smoothly, it's wise to schedule a routine tune-up every year so that burgeoning problems can be nipped in the bud.

Change Your Ceiling Fan Direction

Surprisingly, many homeowners don't realize that changing the direction on their ceiling fans can save energy bills—some don't even realize it's an option at all. During the summer, your fan should turn counter-clockwise to create a downdraft. (Not sure how to do it? Most fans have a switch at the base. If you're still unsure, call your manufacturer.)

The cooling breeze created by the fan's rotation will boost the effect of turning on your AC. Since you won't have to set the thermostat quite as low, you'll save money. Just make sure to turn the fan off once you leave the room, or else you'll be wasting electricity.

Put Your System on Double Duty

This year is particularly bad for allergies. Pollen, volatile organic compounds, pet dander, and other tiny particulates are part and parcel of summer heat. It's hard to enjoy your summer vacation when you're wheezing, itching, sneezing, and generally feeling miserable, isn't it?

Instead of popping Claritin all season long, set yourself up with an electric air purifier from one of the HVAC companies near Montgomery County, PA, that installs them. Whether as a stand-alone unit or an addition to your central system, an air purifier will neutralize or filter out the culprits of your seasonal allergies and let you enjoy yourself.

If you have any questions about maximizing your air conditioning system, we're ready to help. Call One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Bucks County at (267) 930-2733 to learn more.

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