Home » About Us » Blog » 8 Tips for Getting the Most out of Your A/C This Summer
Written on: June 14, 2016
Posted: June 14, 2016 You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get better performance from your home cooling system (although sometimes investing in an A/C upgrade can be a good thing – especially if your current equipment is more than 10 years old). Here are 8 ways to get the most from your A/C as summer approaches:
Focus on the filter – Replace disposable filters it at least once a month during the cooling season, and thoroughly clean other types of filters just as frequently to keep your system working at its best. You may need to clean or replace your filters more frequently if you have pets or smoke at home.
Keep outdoor areas clear – If you have a central air system with an outdoor compressor, make sure it’s free from debris. Remove plants, leaves, dead branches or other items, and don’t grow shrubbery too close to the unit. Aim to keep a clear space of about two feet surrounding the unit.
Use a programmable thermostat – A programmable thermostat allows you to custom adjust your A/C according to when you need it most. Keeping your house temperature just a few degrees warmer when you’re not home can save you thousands of dollars every year and reduce wear and tear on your equipment.
Use fans to keep air moving – Fans can make a huge difference in the feel of indoor air – especially when your A/C is running. You can set your thermostat 3-4 degrees warmer with a ceiling fan running without losing any comfort – and much more economically. Set your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise during the summer, which keeps heat from rising in your home and making your air conditioner overwork to compensate.
Use window treatments – Invest in high quality window treatments, such as reflecting blinds or drapes, to cover larger, sun-exposed areas where heat would accumulate due to the greenhouse effect.
Clear out your vents – Walk through your home and examine each vent. Clear items that block the vents, along with dust and debris. Open vents only in rooms that need the most cooling. If you still have issues, you might consider investing in a professional cleaning or duct sealing.
Reduce heat from other appliances – Try to avoid using appliances that generate a lot of heat. By taking advantage of your outdoor grill and hanging your clothes outdoors to dry, you’ll reduce your cooling load and save money all around.
Consider an upgrade – The performance of air conditioners has come a long way in recent years – particularly when it comes to efficiency. In fact, today’s units can be twice as efficient as models that came out just a decade ago (especially if you haven’t kept up with routine maintenance). With that kind of improvement, a new A/C can pay for itself in just a few years – especially when you consider incentives (contact us to learn more).
