5 Tips to Reduce the Strain on your AC this Summer
If you are one of the lucky ones that enjoys the benefits of air conditioning in the summer, congratulations! This is one of life’s luxuries that is difficult to go without once you have experienced the joys of a temperature-controlled home. But you may be wondering how to help reduce the strain on your AC, to ensure your unit lasts as long as possible and doesn’t waste money and resources. Here are 5 tips that help you support your AC unit as it supports you!
Reduce heat
This one probably sounds obvious, but it is critical. There are many ways we create heat in our homes that aren’t our furnace, and your AC will have an easier time doing its job efficiently if these are reduced. Consider light use on your stove, oven, and hot showers and try to concentrate their use once the day has become cooler. Close windows and blinds to help reduce the impact of the sun’s heat. If you have a ceiling fan (or even portable fans), turn it on to help circulate the cooler air. Don’t leave sliding doors open to catch that lovely summer breeze either – you are making it harder on your AC unit to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Maintain your system
The life of your AC unit will be greatly supported and extended through regular maintenance. This means changing the air filters regularly, to make sure they aren’t clogged with dust and debris that reduces not only their efficiency but their effectiveness. You should be changing your filter regularly – how often depends on the filter (1-inch filters require changing every month, but 5-inch filters only need to be swapped out every 6-9 months). You also need to have your HVAC system inspected twice a year to ensure it is in good shape and able to run efficiently. This will prevent future issues and extend the life of your unit.
Program your thermostat
It might seem like a nice break for your AC unit to leave it off while you are out of the home. However, that makes its job all the harder when you turn it back on and it must cool the temperature “from scratch.” Turning your AC off completely also increases humidity, which can create a host of issues. Instead, you will help the longevity of your cooling system by installing, and using, a programmable thermostat. When you are away from the home for extended periods, you can let the temperature in your house rise a little, to reduce strain on your unit and lower your power bills. But when the house needs to be cool enough to comfortably enjoy again, it won’t have as much work to do to get it back to that ideal temperature.
Let the air flow
You might think you are saving energy by closing the vent registers in rooms that you aren’t using, but that isn’t how a cooling system works. Closing vents actually makes your system work harder to move air throughout the house – the duct system is designed to move a set amount of air at a specific temperature. Keep your vents open to help the cool air flow as the system intended. It’s also important to make sure they aren’t blocked by furniture and are kept clean and clear of dust and debris. If you have pets and/or allergies, cleaning your duct work regularly will help keep the air quality in your house high.
Keep the cold air in
One of the most important (and expensive) ways to help your AC system and your home temperature is to work on keeping the temperature you have inside your home… inside your home. This means adding better insulation to the ceiling and walls and installing energy efficient windows, so your home doesn’t transfer heat as easily. Whether it’s cold outside, and you want to keep in the warmth, or hot outside and you want to keep in the cool, adding insulation and better windows will make this easier. Windows alone are responsible for up to 25% of a home’s energy consumption through heat transfer, so even though it’s a significant cost, it may be worth it in the long run.
Supporting your HVAC system as it does its important job of keeping you comfortable will help it last longer and work better, keeping you at the perfect temperature for years to come!