Serving Boise & Surrounding Areas

June 14, 2016 Newsletter

AC Settings During Vacation

When you leave for vacation, the air conditioner should be set differently. Turning the temperature up a few degrees can give it a break and help homeowners save some money. Here are some air conditioning tips for those planning a vacation:

There is actually an ideal “vacation” temperature for the thermostat while everyone is away. This summer, when leaving for vacation, turn the temperature up four degrees. If it’s moved any more than that, homeowners could spend the money they saved trying to cool the place down when they get home.

While some people believe in turning the system off completely, that could cause mildew to form due to a build-up of humidity. Also, once they get home and turn the air conditioner back on, they’ll be trying to cool it down fast, and spending a lot of money to do it.

Another idea for those who travel regularly is to upgrade their thermostat. Many newer thermostats let homeowners change the home’s temperature with a smartphone app from wherever they are. They can set the temperature to adjust back down during the night when it is already cooler and in time for it to be cool when they arrive home.

Don’t let the house roast while away, but don’t pay for the house to be 72 degrees all week long either. Use the tips above to help save money and come home to a comfortable house after a relaxing week away.

Talk to Diamond Heating and Cooling about upgrading the HVAC thermostat. If the house doesn’t feel as cool as thermostat says it’s set to, the experts at Diamond Heating and Cooling can take a look to see what the issue is. Also visit their website for more thermostat suggestions while away from home.

Remembering to Change the Air Filter

It can be hard to remember to change the furnace filter. The experts recommend changing the filter once every three months to keep everything running smoothly. For those who have a hard time remembering when the three months is up, try these tips:

1. Date Them

Can’t remember the last time it was changed? Next time, write the date on the new filter before putting it in. This eliminates guessing when it was last changed. That date can also give homeowners an idea if three months is too long to wait. Some people use their system more frequently, and therefore need to change filters more frequently.

2. Reminders

Use that fancy smartphone to set a reminder every three months or so. Just set each reminder three months from the date the new one was put in. That way, even if a person forgets, their phone won’t.

3. Make Them Noticeable

Some homeowners buy a few furnace filters in advance and keep them in the house so they’re on hand when needed. Their mistake with this is storing them out of sight, which means they’re out of mind too. Keep them stored in a place that is visible, and even put a sticky note on them with the date the new one needs to go in.

4. Seasonal Cleaning

Making a seasonal cleaning schedule helps keep everything in working order and takes the stress out of taking care of the house. So while washing windows and cleaning gutters, also put changing the furnace filter on that list. Eventually, it will just be part of the routine and less likely to be forgotten.

5. Upgrade Thermostat

New thermostats come with a “check filter” light, much like cars with their gas lights. It lets homeowners know when it’s the most cost-effective time to replace the filter, taking the guesswork out of knowing how often to change it.

During their maintenance checks for both the air conditioner and furnace, Diamond Heating and Cooling checks the filter to see if it needs changed for their customers. Those who are part of the Silver Membership Club also receive two free one-inch pleated filters per year.

Identifying Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both serious illnesses that can occur during summer, but with very different symptoms. Everyone should be aware of the symptoms both illnesses present so they can identify what is happening and know what to do.

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms:

  • Cool, moist skin with goosebumps when in the heat
  • Heavy sweating
  • Faintness
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Weak, rapid pulse
  • Low blood pressure upon standing
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea
  • Headache

If someone is suspected of experiencing heat exhaustion they need to:

  • Stop all activity and rest
  • Move to a cooler place
  • Drink cool water or sports drinks

If the symptoms worsen or don’t improve within an hour, medical treatment should be sought. Also, if the person’s body temperature is 104 degrees, they need immediate medical attention.

Heat Stroke

Symptoms:

  • High body temperature of 104 degrees or higher
  • Altered mental state or behavior
  • Skin is hot and dry
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Flushed skin
  • Rapid breathing
  • Racing heart rate
  • Headache

If it is suspected that some is experiencing heat stroke, it is best to call 911 or a local emergency services number. While waiting for help:

  • Get them in shade or inside
  • Remove excess clothing
  • Cool them down with whatever means is available

Being outside and not drinking an adequate amount of fluids attributes to heat-related illnesses such as the ones described above. Anyone can be affected by heat stroke or heat exhaustion, but children and the elderly are at a greater risk. Be smart when outside this summer. Take water, wear appropriate clothing, and don’t over exercise during high heat times.

Making a Box Fan Fort

Box fans are great for cooling down a room when it’s not quite hot enough to turn on the air conditioner, or even help circulate the cool air from the AC. Another thing box fans are great at: creating awesome forts.

Kids love forts, and with this tip, they can build the best one yet. To build this air fort, get these supplies:

  • Big sheet
  • Packing tape
  • Box fan

To make it, follow these instructions:

  • Tape one of the long sides of the sheet down to the floor.
  • Place the fan at one end of the sheet. Put the sheet over the fan and tape together.
  • Tape the remain edges to the floor

This in itself could be the fort or this structure could be used as a sort of hallway into a larger area of a normally built fort. The entire thing just has to be somewhat sealed so the air can hold it up. Kids will get a kick out of how the fan holds the sheet up, and they will be able to stay cool while hanging out inside.

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