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How to turn up the cozy and turn down the heat this summer
cozy reading

Fall seems to get all the credit for being cozy. Granted, chili simmering on the stove, warm hues of orange, red and yellow, and the soundtrack of football games and leaves crunching under your feet definitely have their places in the cozy hall of fame. But we believe summer has an underrated cozy vibe that deserves some recognition, too.

The days are long; perfect for leisurely evenings that end in beautiful suppertime sunsets. The warm temperatures are ideal for sitting outside and reading books that, if less serious and educational than their autumn counterparts, are the fun mental reprieve you need.  And don’t get us started on the special kind of warm, cozy feelings we get when we think about running through sprinklers and eating watermelon slices that are bigger than our faces.

Let’s savor summer.

Our low-key MVP of summer is the air conditioner. It cools our rooms so the summer heat doesn’t keep us up all night. It offers a break from the hottest hours of the day. Day in and day out, it helps us enjoy the best summer has to offer without the discomfort of extreme temperatures.

There are a few things you can do to keep your air conditioner running efficiently for years to come: 
 

1. Replace or clean your air filter.

This one task can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent. Can’t find the filter? If you have central air, it’s usually somewhere along the return duct’s length in a wall, ceiling, furnace or in the air conditioner itself. If you have a room air conditioner, the filter is usually mounted in the grill that faces into the room.

2. Clean your AC’s evaporator coil and condenser coil.

There's no way around it - the coils collect dirt. And that dirt reduces airflow and the coil's ability to absorb heat.

3. Check your unit’s drain channels.

Clogged drains can prevent it from reducing humidity, and the extra moisture could discolor your walls or carpet. You can prevent clogs by occasionally passing a stiff wire through the unit’s drain channels.

4. Have a professional give your air conditioner a seasonal checkup. 

The ultimate cozy feeling is knowing there’s a friend ready to help. One of our professionals can give your air conditioner a seasonal checkup. 

Learn more about our Service Guard program to see how we can help make staying home the coziest option of all – no matter the season. Make sure to follow us on FacebookInstagramLinkedIn and Twitter for the latest tips!

 

Black Hills Energy Blog

  • The summer heat may still be sizzling, but before we know it the leaves will be changing, and the mornings will be crisp. Fall brings cooler weather, cozy blankets, and the challenge of getting everyone back into a routine. It’s time to change gears and start preparing your home for fall.…
  • You’ve got enough things to juggle, paying your energy bill shouldn’t be one of them. Fall tends to bring with it a lot of action, whether it’s a return to the classroom for your kids, a new football season for your favorite team or new duties at your job. You’re going to be busy, busy, busy; so…
  • When temperatures are high outside and you’re feeling especially grateful for the coolness of your air conditioner, the last thing on your mind is your furnace. I mean, who wants to think about that when summer is in full swing? We get it – right now you want to bask in the sunshine and cherish…
  • Nothing says summer like grilling. Warm evenings with the mouth-watering aroma of a juicy steak (paired with grilled potatoes and summer squash) wafting across the lawn —  it’s hard to beat. But the yummy food coming off the grill isn’t the only positive of grilling. You’ll also be saving…

Share the love with those you love

During this time of thanksgiving, you can share the peace-of-mind of Service Guard with your friends and family through our share and save referral program. You’ll get $50 in credit toward your existing Service Guard repair plan account, and the person you refer will get a month of Service Guard free.

SHARE AND SAVE