AIR CONDITIONING TIPS FOR SUMMER
There are several steps one can take to prepare your air conditioner for summer and keep it running efficiently. Don’t let the heat beat you. Cooling and heating consumes up to 50% of total home energy use.1
Stay on top of your AC efficiency with these tips.
Tip 1 – Maintenance: Regularly schedule your maintenance for both your air conditioner and furnace which will keep it working efficiently. Schedule a maintenance checkup by an HVAC technician before turning on your AC to prevent serious issues like leaks and damage. Great maintenance plans, free assessments and rebates are offered by HVAC companies.1
Tip 2 – Get your AC unit ready: Did you remove your AC cover? Did you check for debris and that nothing is blocking the fan from operating effectively? Don’t forget to check the outside disconnect and make sure the AC breaker is turned on.
Tip 3 – Filters: If you have clean filters your AC unit won’t have to overwork to keep your home cool or recirculate dust back into your home. Filters should be checked once a month for dirt and buildup.3
Tip 4 – Thermostat: By regulating the thermostat to a lower setting such as 78 degrees when you’re at home and to a higher setting such as 85 degrees when you aren’t home will help improve annual energy savings. If there is a larger temperature variance outside to inside your home, the harder your air conditioner will have to work. Your home will not cool faster with a very low set temperature. A smart thermostat can help save on heating and cooling costs by regulating heating and cooling when you're not at home. Make sure you place the thermostat on the right wall, away from windows preventing it from thinking it is warmer in the room than it is.1
Tip 5 – Ceiling fan: You can help raise the thermostat setting up to four degrees if you use a ceiling fan in conjunction with air conditioning. Did you know that a ceiling fan creates a wind chill effect that helps cool people but not rooms? A ceiling fan is also mostly effective when you are in the room, so be sure to turn it off once you leave the room.2
Tip 6 – Blinds: You should consider using blinds or sun shades that allow light in but block out the heat.4 Your blinds should be closed to stop the cool air from escaping and to keep the sun out. Heat travels through windows, which will always warm up the thermostat and you.
References:
(1) Spring into Savings with Four Ways to Reduce Cooling Costs Ahead of Summer
(2) Spring and Summer Energy-Saving Tips
