NOCO offers tips to stay cool and help keep energy costs in check this summer

Guest Editorial by NOCO

With the official start of summer still a couple of weeks away, Western New York has already gotten a taste of hot temperatures and sunny weather! NOCO is offering a few quick and easy tips to help you stay cool, save on your energy costs, and keep your air conditioner running smoothly all summer long.

“From utilizing your programmable thermostat to running ceiling fans at night, there are ways you can effectively use your air conditioner to cool your house while also saving on your energy usage,” said Thomas Wrate, general manager of HVAC and sustainability, NOCO. “Now is also the best time to take steps to maintain your air conditioner and make sure it’s running efficiently – before the dog days of summer hit and you may be left in the heat.”

NOCO’s tips include:

√ If you have central air conditioning, make sure you have a clean furnace filter. It should be cleaned or replaced monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer.

√ Use a hose to clean off the outdoor unit to get rid of any leaves, dirt and other debris that may be stuck inside to help it run more efficiently.

√ Set your thermostat to the highest temperature that is comfortable for you and your family. Be sure to keep the temperature constant. If you are not home during the day, use a programmable thermostat to set your air conditioning 4 degrees warmer.

√ Utilize ceiling fans at night, running counterclockwise to better circulate the air, while keeping your thermostat set a few degrees higher.

√ Help keep your house cool, and potentially having your air conditioner run less, by closing window blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day when the sun is shining in.

√ If you have the ability on your thermostat to turn the fan on, let it run all the time.

√ Run your bathroom exhaust fan while showering to remove the humid, warm air from your house.

Scheduling an annual air conditioner tune up helps to ensure the unit is running efficiently to keep your house cool. Call NOCO at 716-614-6610 to make your appointment. In addition, customers may be able to save on their energy costs by enrolling in NOCO’s electric or community solar programs. Visit noco.com for more information.

As a full-service energy provider, NOCO has been serving the energy needs of residential and commercial customers across New York for more than 85 years. Headquartered in Tonawanda, family owned and locally operated NOCO serves as a single point of responsibility for customers in their energy needs and sustainability efforts. NOCO’s products and services include energy consulting, commercial fuels, natural gas, electricity, propane, heating oil, HVAC sales and service, used oil and fluid waste recycling, renewable energy, and energy efficiency solutions. For more information, visit noco.com.