Follow these easy methods to keep your AC unit running efficiently during the hot season and save on energy bills.
Your air system works hardest during the summer and you can help it perform its best.
1. CHECK YOUR FILTERS
The air filter is a given and should not be overlooked. Check it once every month and replace it as needed. Not all filters will last three months, so check to see how much dust has been building up. A lot of dust and allergens circulate throughout your home and a stuffy air filter will require the air system to work much harder. Just like changing the oil in your car, it’s crucial in maintaining your system’s long-term health.
2. DON’T LET YOUR THERMOSTAT TAKE THE HEAT
Lamps and wall-mounted TVs will cause your thermostat to sense the heat causing the air conditioner to run longer than it normally would. When installing a new thermostat or rearranging your furniture, be mindful of the location of your thermostat. Direct sun from the window will always be warm in the mornings or when the sun is setting.
3. THE DIAL WILL SAVE YOU SOME MONEY
Each degree you turn the air down below 77 increases your energy consumption by about 8%. So if your monthly electric bill is $100, you could easily save $8 if you can stand 78 degrees.
4. CONSIDER A SMART THERMOSTAT
If you have a regular schedule, you can set your thermostat up a degree when you leave for work and cool the house off when you return. Be cautious with this method, though… if you plan to drop the air down 3 degrees or more, you can cause your air system to work even harder, thus defeating the purpose.
5. KEEP YOUR UNIT IN THE SHADE
Air conditioners within the shade can run more efficiently. The air in a shaded space will always be cooler than direct sunlight and the system will have an easier time cooling the air.
6. IS IT TIME TO REPLACE YOUR HVAC SYSTEM?
Ask one of our professionals if your system is due for replacement. A more expensive, yet high-efficiency unit, will save you money in the long run. It’s important to make sure that your unit is the right size for your home. A unit too small in a home with a large square AND cubic footage will underperform and cause your energy bills to skyrocket. You’ll find it hard to keep your whole home cool, too.
7. WEATHERIZE DOORS AND WINDOWS
You don’t want to “cool the whole neighborhood”, do you? Simple weatherization steps will prevent air loss when you need every bit of cool air. Sealing air leaks with caulking or weather strips and adding insulation around ductwork is the “secret sauce” here.
8. MIND YOUR HOME’S LANDSCAPING
Rock, cement, or asphalt on the south and west sides of your house will increase the temperature around the house and radiate heat. Shade from trees will always benefit your home’s air efficiency.
9. WATCH FOR DEBRIS
While plants are a lovely touch to a home, bushes, shrubs, and other landscaping should remain at least 4 feet away from your unit to ensure adequate airflow.
10. FEEL THE BREEZE OF CEILING FANS
Make sure that you’re pushing the cool air down in the summer (up in the winter). You can run a ceiling fan all day for about $3 a month, whereas an air conditioner will cost $25 or more.
11. INSTALL WINDOW TINT
Home improvement such as installing a window tint will keep your house cooler in the summer.
12. CALL OUR HVAC PROFESSIONALS
A central air system and the unit should be inspected and maintained by a licensed, bonded and insured HVAC professional before every summer. A tune-up is affordable and will make sure that you save money each season.
Do you have tips to beat the heat? Share them with us!
