The Dog Days Of Summer
Posted: July 11, 2022 by Hey Neighbor

The hottest season is upon us. Summer's heat has definitely arrived in Northeast Ohio, which can be hard on your central air conditioning system and your pets, too. Keeping your pup cool during the sweltering months doesn't have to be a problem, though. With careful planning, an AC tune-up, and a few fun pet products, you and Farfel can beat the heat without spending a fortune. Here are five easy ways to keep your pets cool.

Turn off lights, fans, and electronics

• Switch off unneeded lights. Natural light isn't just for social media filters. Your pets love it too. The ASPCA says if your doggo is home without you, natural light is the best light for him. Plus, turning lights off generates less heat, which helps keeps your AC from working overtime.

• Stop your ceiling fans. This might sound nonsensical, but hear us out. Fans cool us by evaporating the sweat on our skin. But, because dogs don't sweat, a fan isn't going to make much of a difference for them in the summer. So, leave the fan off when you're not in the room to save money and energy.

• Turn off the TV. Leaving that big screen on all day can drive up your energy costs by raising indoor temperatures. Also, it'll make your pet more active during the day when they should be resting.

Feeling bad about turning the TV off? Keep Farfel occupied with a frozen bone toy, or give him some peanut butter-flavored ice cream!

Practice smart thermostat usage

• Setting your thermostat to 78° F when you're not home dramatically reduces your energy costs in the summertime. Since a dog's body temperature is 3-4° F higher than a human's, turning the thermostat up won't make your furry friend uncomfortable.

• A smart thermostat will help you keep your temps on track with ease, allowing you to program at-home and away schedules to maintain the perfect temperatures whether you're in the house or on the go.

Worried about airflow? Consider getting a raised bed for Farfel. These nifty beds help keep your dog cool by enabling more ventilation and circulating air underneath. So, you can take your dog to the next level. Literally.

Inspect your AC system for leaks

When was the last time you checked your home for air loss? Your air conditioner could be working overtime without you even knowing, especially if cool air is escaping from your windows, doors, or ductwork.

• Add weather stripping to doors and windows that have gaps to hold the cool air inside and keep the hot air outside.

• Check the areas where your plumbing and electrical wiring enter and exit your home to ensure there are no openings.

Speaking of keeping the cool air inside, dog cooling mats are so hot - err, cool - right now. These nifty mats feature gel technology that absorbs your dog's body heat to cool him down. Combine this idea with the elevated bed above and double up on Farfel's sleeping comfort!

Create some shade

• You might consider keeping the blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day and while you're at work. This reduces unwanted heat from the greenhouse effect your windows produce. For those of us who weren't paying attention in Science class, this means sunlight and heat enter but can't escape, making your house hotter.

• If you have blinds, tilt the slats upward to reflect heat away from your house's interior. Even better, consider upgrading to insulated window treatments and prevent more heat from coming in!

Here's another effective canine-cooling idea: Keep your dog cooler than cool with some ice in his water or a refrigerated bowl. There are even gel-infused pet bowls that'll keep Farfel's water cold for up to 15 hours!

Pay attention to AC maintenance

• Check your air filters every month, especially in the summer, to ensure they're clear of dirt and debris. A clogged filter causes your AC to work much harder and can lead to equipment failure. Switching out your filters regularly is a smart way to reduce your energy bill, keep your home nice and cool, and keep your HVAC system working smoothly for years to come.

• In addition to monthly air filter checks, having your HVAC cleaned and inspected by Hey Neighbor LLC | Ron the Furnace Man's Trane Comfort Specialist team will keep things running smoothly all summer long. So, call us today at 877-247-7661 to schedule your AC tune-up and rest comfortably!