Everyone knows how to turn on their air conditioner, but do you know what type you have? Understanding your cooling system is essential, especially as temperatures continue to rise. By recognizing home cooling systems, you may more accurately examine any linked concerns or problems. Understanding the cooling component also benefits HVAC system maintenance from Smith Plumbing and Heating.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What is the type of cooling system in your home?” You’ve arrived at the right place!

Types Of Cooling Systems For Home

Here are the different types of cooling systems to take note of:

Central Air Conditioning System

Central air conditioning systems are meant to chill the entire house. These systems consist of an outdoor compressor unit that conducts air to an indoor coil, which generates and distributes conditioned air via air ducts. These ducts are then connected to vents, with one vent supplying cold air to each room and the other returning air for recirculation.

This is the most used type of home cooling.

Heat Pump

The primary difference between heat pumps and central air conditioning systems is that heat pumps have dual functionality. Heat pumps operate similarly to air conditioners, with exterior compressors and indoor coils, but this process can be altered to produce heat instead of cool air. Heat pumps improve the efficiency of your HVAC system by combining heating and cooling into a single system. However, this is accompanied by a weaker performance.

Turn on your heating to determine whether your cooling system is a central air conditioner or heat pump. If the outdoor unit starts to operate and makes noise, you have a heat pump. Another method is to locate the outside unit’s model number and then search it online.

Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioning System

As their name suggests, ductless mini-split systems operate without air ducts. Instead, a mini-split cooling system uses one outdoor compressor and one indoor unit for each room or sector of a home. With each section’s indoor unit, you have greater cooling flexibility, as you can cool only select rooms instead of the entire house.

This type of system is less prevalent than traditional systems, partly due to its higher initial cost. Mini-splits are more widespread in other countries. Contact Smith Plumbing and Heating if you need any service!

Evaporative Cooler/Swamp Cooler

Although these are better suited to drier regions, some homes still feature evaporative coolers. Evaporative coolers draw in outdoor air and cool it by evaporation instead of refrigerants. They circulate cold air and humidity throughout your home. Evaporative coolers can be installed with ducts by Smith Pink Trucks comparable to a central air conditioning system, or they can be portable.

Room/Window Air Conditioning System

Window and single-room air conditioning systems are the most affordable and portable types of air conditioning. Room and window air conditioners cool individual rooms instead of the whole residence. They consist of a single unit installed directly in the room needing cooling. Room and window air conditioners often consume less energy than central air and heat pumps. However, they provide less cooling and are more likely to break down.

Last Words

Depending on the size of the room or window AC, a separate circuit may be required. While most smaller models should be compatible with any 15- or 20-amp outlet, others may need a dedicated circuit.

One of the first tasks in HVAC maintenance is identifying the type of cooling system you have. And if you need professional HVAC services for home cooling systems, contact Smith Pink Trucks now.

We offer professional HVAC services in the following locations:

• Colorado Springs plumbing, AC, and electrical
• Castle Rock plumbing, AC, and electrical
• Fountain plumbing, AC, and electrical
• Monument plumbing, AC, and electrical
• Pueblo plumbing, AC, and electrical

And, if you’re not in Colorado and are looking for help with Tampa drain cleaning, then check out the services offered by our friends over at ACS Home Services!

In order to withstand the intense summer heat, it is unavoidable that you will require an air conditioner. But what happens if your air conditioner breaks down and you are left without cold air until it is repaired by Smith Plumbing? This will be an unpleasant situation for some time, but there are a few clever ways you can stay cool over the summer. Here are ten tips on how to stay cool for the summer.

1. Install A Ceiling Or Portable Fan

Portable fans and ceiling fans are excellent alternatives to malfunctioning air conditioners. A portable fan cannot cool the air as well as an air conditioner. Instead, they function by creating a breeze, and the wind-chill impact of that breeze has a cooling effect on the skin.

Place a basin of ice in front of the fan for an additional cooling effect. This straightforward method produces a refreshing air mist. Another excellent tip is to position a box fan opposite an open window. This is a simple way to create a cross-breeze that can substantially reduce a room’s temperature.

2. Take Cold Showers And Use Ice Packs

Never dismiss indicators that your air conditioner requires maintenance, especially before summer begins. Always plan seasonal inspections and regular maintenance with a company offering plumbing and heating Colorado Springs residents trust. If, however, the air conditioning fails, it is time to return to the basics. To combat the heat, take a cold shower. In addition to lowering your body’s core temperature, an ice-cold shower will revitalize your skin and increase your blood circulation.

Next, restock your ice! When temps are hot and you’re looking for ways how to stay cool in the heat, ice will be your closest friend. Consume lots and lots of ice water to maintain hydration and avoid heat-related sickness. To maintain your coolness, place ice packs on your wrists, neck, groin, and temples. You can also purchase a custom-fitted ice vest. Ice cooling vests are widely used by athletes to maintain constant body temperature and prevent dehydration.

3. Avoid Using The Stove

In the winter, cooking indoors is a terrific method to warm up a cold house, but in the summer, you should avoid doing so. Using the oven and stove to cook increases the house’s temperature and humidity. In addition to being uncomfortable, excessive heat and humidity can create moisture buildup and condensation in the home. This excess moisture can result in a range of issues, including the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause infections and allergies.

During the summer, replace hearty soups and stews with light meals, salad, cold meats, fruits, and sandwiches. Instead of using the oven to prepare a meal, fire up the grill and barbecue your meat and vegetables. Summer is, after all, the ideal season to host a BBQ with friends and family. It’s a wonderful way to spend summer weekends, and you won’t return home to a sauna or a sink full of dirty dishes!

4. Keep The Curtains Closed

Even while your air conditioner is operating, closing the curtains and blinds during the day is a sensible way to keep your home cool and conserve electricity. The home’s interior temperature rises as a result of sunlight entering through the windows. Even walls and furniture absorb heat. Consequently, your air conditioner must work harder to cool the home.

Before you leave for work, make it a practice to draw the curtains and close the blinds and window shutters. This prevents heat from entering the residence during the day’s hottest hours. Blackout curtains are the most effective in blocking sunlight and heat. You’ll arrive home to a significantly cooler house, and a cooler house means you can raise your HVAC thermostat a few degrees, therefore, reducing your electricity expenditure.

5. Use Light Bedding

How to stay cool for the summer? Use light, breathable cotton sheets to get a good night’s sleep while the air conditioner is not working. On a hot night, you may usually go without a comforter since a sheet would suffice. Keep a light blanket close by in case you feel a bit chilly at night and wish to cover up.

Between 60 and 70 degrees, Fahrenheit is the optimal temperature for a restful sleep. Some people raise the AC thermostat at night to conserve energy. However, a level that is excessively loud will make it difficult to fall asleep. Consider purchasing a programmable thermostat that will allow you to select the perfect temperature for the night and automatically return to the daytime setting in the morning.

6. Dampen Your Curtains

The air in a room can be unusually chilled by spritzing the drapes with water or hanging a wet sheet in the window. Keep an open window to permit fresh air to flow over the damp curtain or sheet. This works best when there is a breeze. The water will evaporate when the breeze passes over the damp curtains or sheets, helping to chill the room’s air. It is one of the easiest ways to add a touch of cool air and stay cool for the summer.

7. Stay Downstairs

A basic aspect of physics is that heat rises. This indicates that warm air has a natural tendency to rise. If you live in a two-story home, you’ve likely observed that the upper level is always warmer than the ground floor. If the air conditioning is broken, stay downstairs. The atmosphere will be cooler downstairs than upstairs. Kids may find it entertaining to pitch tents and sleep on air mattresses in the living room. If temperatures are intolerable, you may wish to descend to the basement, which is the coldest area of a home.

Uneven temperature distribution across a two-story home regulated by a single thermostat will likely lead to countless family disagreements. If the thermostat is positioned downstairs, it will sense the temperature close to the unit and adjust the temperature to be appropriate for the downstairs area. The upper level will not receive the same amount of cooling, resulting in dissatisfied people. Separate thermostats for the upstairs and downstairs of a multi-story home or a zoned system, such as a ductless split system, are the best ways to maintain an even temperature and keep the entire family satisfied.

8. Eat Spicy Foods

Another tip to stay cool for the summer? Consuming spicy foods on a hot day may seem irrational, but there is logic behind the madness. Have you ever wondered why individuals in some of the world’s hottest regions consume spicy foods? Countries with hot temperatures, such as Mexico, India, and Morocco, have one thing in common: spicy cuisine. Spicy foods may cause an initial surge of heat in the body, but this heat causes perspiration. Once air comes into touch with perspiration on the skin, it begins to lower the body’s temperature.

9. Grow Trees Or Add Awnings

Trees take a long time to bloom, but they give wonderful natural shade and add beauty to a garden in the long run. A large, leafy tree near the house can reduce the interior temperature by a few degrees. If you lack the patience to wait for a tree to grow, you can quickly offer shade by placing awnings over the doors and windows. Awnings not only give shade on sunny days but also serve as an excellent rain shelter. Consider applying heat-reflective film to windows for added protection so you can stay cool for the summer.

10. Upgrade Your Home’s Insulation

Most people associate insulation with heating. In addition to maintaining warmth, insulation prevents cold air from escaping a house during the summer. It is essential to seal drafty window and door frames to prevent air loss. Simple window elements such as shutters are another approach to increase insulation.

Contacting Smith Plumbing to evaluate your property for air leaks and drafts around windows and doors is an excellent idea. If your home’s insulation is insufficient, it is a sensible investment to improve it. Injection foam insulation is among the most effective insulation options. Liquid foam is injected into the house’s framework, dry walls, and attic during this process. The foam fills the space and immediately solidifies, forming an airtight seal that will keep your home warm for the winter and cool for the summer.

Home Cooling Tips During Extreme Heat

Maintaining your AC system in good condition is the greatest method to avoid being without air conditioning when the heat turns oppressive. Regular HVAC maintenance, including yearly tune-ups, will help spot possible issues early, keep the system operating at peak efficiency year-round, and preserve the system’s longevity.

Contact us for all your HVAC maintenance and repairs or check Smith Plumbing and Heating reviews for more info. We are one of the most reliable HVAC specialists who can handle your concerns. Don’t panic if your air conditioner breaks down. Our expert technician will get your air conditioner up and running in no time, allowing you to enjoy and stay cool for the summer.

Check out 7 ways to clean sewer and drainage lines for additional information on how to m, make everything in your house work properly.

And, if you’d like to learn more about what kinds of services we offer here at Smith Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, check out the links below:

• Colorado Springs Plumbing, Air Conditioning, and Electrical
• Castle Rock Plumbing, Air Conditioning, and Electrical
• Fountain Plumbing, Air Conditioning, and Electrical

Leave us a review or learn more about our Colorado plumbing, air conditioning, and electrical services here.

If a temperature of +40 degrees sounds like something you’d rather avoid and you’re looking for fun activities for hot summer days that don’t include sitting at home and watching television, you’ve come to the right place.

Summer is our favorite season, and we don’t hate the heat, although we can’t say we enjoy it. Yes, we’re trying to avoid it as much as possible, and you wouldn’t believe how many intriguing things there are to do. Don’t you agree? Well, these 10 summer activities to keep your body cool and relaxed:

Best Activities for Hot Summer Days

Here are the best activities you can enjoy this summer:

1. Go Shopping

Here is one of the activities for hot summer days: Going to the mall! Better yet, make it a gigantic mall! You know, the buildings with air conditioning…the ones with shops, coffee shops, cinemas, cafes, and a variety of free events such as food and drink tastings, popular music, and a large number of people. Ladies and gentlemen, the keyword here is “air conditioning,” and since window shopping in an average-sized mall takes at least two hours, imagine how much time you could spend in this nicely cooled place!

2. Enjoy Watching Movies

If this makes you assume DVDs, an air conditioner, and a bucket of popcorn, I must inform you that this is not it. We’re referring to drive-ins and other types of seasonal movie theaters. Visit a cinema during the summer with the entire “building” having just a movie screen, seats, and tables, and look forward to a wonderful breeze.

3. Go on a hike

Hiking is an excellent method to immerse oneself in nature and just feel the breeze of the wind. You can explore the beauty of nature at whatever speed is most comfortable for you, using only your own two feet and carrying only the essentials for the day on your back. And, with a little preparation, practically everyone can participate.

4. Get Some Ice Cream

Could you imagine better summer activities? Visiting ice cream shops and finding new flavors and toppings is one of the favorite summer bridge activities; if you’re a sugar addict, you should add this to your summ​​er bucket list. At least 90% of the world’s population enjoys ice cream, so finding a companion should be a breeze.

5. Spend The Evening Out

Spending the entire day in a room with a home air conditioning unit is pleasant, but it’s not the healthiest thing in the world. Now, if you are a working woman or man, you may not have a choice, so use your free time to relax, have fun, and breathe fresh air simultaneously. How? Take a walk. It can be a stroll in the park, in the neighborhood, or across the city at night, and it is one of those summertime pastimes to keep cool, socialize, and stretch your legs after a day of “indoor isolation.”

6. Visit Other Air-Conditioned Locations

Summer is a terrific time to catch up on reading or revisit museums and other interesting places you haven’t seen more than once. Why now and why this season? Since museums and libraries always have air conditioning, they are perfect places for summer activities and to spend leisurely midday or afternoon.

If you need help with AC repair Colorado Springs or maintenance to avoid any problems this summer, you can visit Smith Plumbing and Heating.

7. Throw A Backyard Party

Get a number of inflatable beach balls, fill the pool, prepare the water balloons and cocktails, and invite your neighbors and friends to join you! Now, isn’t it one of the most intriguing summer activities for staying cool? Sure is! Also, remember to turn on the sprinklers.

Keep Yourself Cool And Free From Stress This Summer

What are your thoughts on this list of activities to stay cool? These enjoyable summer bridge activities and intriguing destinations could keep you occupied and cool this summer — away from stress.

Maintaining your comfort and health by ensuring that you do things like keeping yourself cool and hydrated is the same as maintaining your home’s systems. Consider it to be preventative care for our bodies and minds, designed to maintain us in tip-top shape so that we can handle whatever life throws at us.

For Smith air conditioning services, you can visit Smith Plumbing’s website — whether it’s maintenance or AC repair, Colorado Springs residents are covered. Keep your home AC systems cool and optimized as soon as you go home from these awesome summer activities.

With longer days and higher temperatures, there is no better way to celebrate summer than by sipping yummy, soothing summer drinks outdoors. Whether you are planning a neighborhood barbecue or a family picnic in the park, one of these refreshing non alcoholic drinks recipes can complement your lunch or dinner. Obviously, the best mocktails go swimmingly with a backyard movie night, an outdoor summer activity, or a languid summer day spent on the patio reading a beach novel.

Let Smith Plumbing And Heating introduce you to our cool summer drinks.

Watermelon Limeade

Use the entire watermelon as a festive beverage dispenser for your 4th of July celebration. Simply omit the vodka to make this recipe alcohol-free (or keep it if you want an adult beverage).

Mason Jar Citrus Coolers

Orange, lime, and lemon are the ultimate flavor trio for summer drinks. This tangy, refreshing citrus beverage has the potential to become your new go-to for outdoor gatherings.

Summer Melon Slushies

Regardless of your preferred flavor combination (Watermelon-Lime, Honeydew-Ginger-Mint, or Cantaloupe-Basil), these fruit slushies will keep you cool and feeling good.

Ginger-Peach Soda

This fruity and carbonated beverage is ideal for a hot summer day.

Kiwi Lemonade Spritzer

You will fall in love at first sip with this one-of-a-kind beverage that flawlessly blends sweet and sour flavors.

Mocktail Blackberry Spritzer

Take advantage of berry season with this easy-to-make beverage that you’ll enjoy sipping throughout the summer.

Strawberry-Lemon Punch

This beverage can be prepared in large or small volumes. In any case, you’ll want to have it prepared because nothing beats the taste of fresh fruit and sweet lemonade on a hot afternoon.

Iced Sparkling Honey-Lime Red Tea

A carbonated iced tea is ideal for porch sipping.

Sparkling Thyme Lemonade

Fresh thyme is an easy way to enhance the flavor of lemonade for adults.

White Iced Tea

Add more flavor and customize your drink by including lavender, rosemary, or mint.

Pineapple and Thyme Iced Tea

This delicate and delicious cocktail will impress both you and your guests with its hint of thyme and pineapple.

Double Apple Iced Tea

If your children enjoy apple juice, they will enjoy this unique iced tea made with a selection of fresh apples and apple juice.

Snow Cones

If you omit the white rum and blue Curaçao, you’ll have a conventional snow cone that will fascinate children and make you feel like a teenager again. After the children have gone to bed, you can, of course, stick to the original recipe for alcoholic snow cones.

Get Refreshed With A Thirst Quencher

You do not need to play bartender if there will be children present and you wish to serve refreshing non alcoholic drinks. Despite the abundance of alcoholic cocktail ideas available this summer, sometimes the refreshing flavor of lemonade or iced tea hits the mark in a way that few alcoholic beverages can.

Plus, you’ll save money by not purchasing alcohol, which you can spend on anything from a trip to the craft shop for summertime DIYs to s’mores supplies or a camping trip before the kids return to school. Whether it’s watermelon limeade, frozen slushies, or homemade frappuccinos, these summer drinks will make you feel like a child again.

Check out Smith Pink Trucks for any Colorado Springs HVAC services to lessen the summer heat around your house.

Keep Yourself Cool Inside And Out

Being your own personal bartender to top off those long hot days paints a picturesque scene of a lovely summer time. However, despite the abundance of alcoholic cocktail ideas we previously mentioned, sometimes the refreshing zest of lemonade or a cool glass of ice water hits the mark in a way that few alcoholic beverages can.

Just like with our home systems, keeping yourself cool and hydrated ensures that you stay comfortable and healthy. Think of it as maintenance for our minds and bodies to keep us in tip-top shape and ready for anything that comes our way!

For everything regarding home maintenance, Smith Pink Trucks is here to help! Keep your home AC systems cool and optimized with our patented AC Maintenance, or stay in the loop with our expertly-curated blogs! Hot, sticky, and feverish summer days will be a thing of the past with our services in mind and a glass of a cool drink in your hand!

Summer is finally here! This implies that it is time for barbecues, beach days, kayaking, and every other outdoor activity you can imagine. But wait! In addition to enjoying yourself, you must also endure the oppressive heat and sleepless nights.

Most folks would immediately turn on their air conditioning at home. However, as a gentle reminder, air conditioning is neither environmentally friendly nor a cost-effective solution to survive a summer night and beat the heat.

Check out these 12 ways to beat the heat and will keep you cool as a cucumber.

You may also contact Smith Pink Trucks to know the amps needed for mini split air conditioners — this is one way how to beat summer heat both outside and inside your home.

Change Your Mattress

When the temperature rises, replace your cushy mattress with a minimalist straw or bamboo mat. Straw and bamboo mattresses retain less heat than modern beds, despite their antique appearance. As they are suspended on all sides, ventilation is improved around cots and hammocks, making them good options.

Enjoy The Freeze

Before bed, place your linens in a plastic bag and place them in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes. Although it will not keep you cool all night, it will provide temporary relief from the heat and humidity.

Put Ice In Front Of Your Fan

Here’s another way how to survive the heat outside: Place a shallow pan or bowl of ice in front of a fan and create your own air conditioner. As the ice melts, the wind will take up cold water from the ice’s surface, generating a cool mist.

Turn Off The Lights And Gadgets

As the sun sets, try to power down as many electronic devices and lights as possible. Small appliances and devices generate heat and will warm the air around you. Consequently, be aware of the lights and gadgets you leave on and plugged in.

Keep Your Feet Cool

Our toes are extremely sensitive to temperature since the feet and ankles contain several pulse points. Before going to bed, cool the entire body by soaking your feet in a pail of cold water. You can also keep the pail near your bed to soak your feet whenever you feel like you need to beat the heat.

Make Your Fans Do The Work

If your room’s fans are circulating hot air, try aiming a box fan outward through a window frame. This will remove all of the heated air, leaving you comfortable and cool. In the case of a ceiling fan, it should be adjusted to rotate counter clockwise. This will produce the same result. It will flow heated air upwards and outwards, providing a comfortable environment.

Take A Shower Before Bed

A cold bath before bed can assist in rinsing away perspiration and lowering body temperature. This will let you go to bed feeling cool and clean, allowing you to sleep more soundly.

Final Thoughts

So, people without an air conditioner or those who wish to save a high energy cost might use the following tips to beat the heat on these muggy summer nights. This summer, be inventive and do not allow the heat to sap your energy.

Smith Plumbing and Heating Colorado Springs, is here for you in case you need an air conditioner repair, replacement, or maintenance.

Check out this article to understand how a heat pump works to cool your home this summer.

Once August rolls around in Peyton, CO, we typically reach our highest temperatures of the year. The days of early summer evenings spent outside, by the pool, or at amusement parks are long gone. We’re taking thing slower these days and spending our time indoors trying to stay as cool as possible. If you’ve got a great air conditioning system, then you’re in the clear. What happens if you start to notice that there’s trouble in paradise with your unit though?

You should start by turning to our professionals. We’ve got you covered when it comes to air conditioning repair in Peyton, CO. We’ll make sure to get your air conditioning back in shape in a flash. Contact us sooner than later to get the process started.

(more…)