Summer is here and it’s hot! That’s something we can all agree on, and we can also agree that you want your AC system operating smoothly, keeping your home cool and comfortable around the clock, no matter what Mother Nature throws at us. To keep you as comfortable as possible, while also prolonging the life of your AC system, here are seven of our best air conditioning tips for summer.
1. Keep your ceiling fans turning
Using ceiling fans along with your AC can make your home feel anywhere from five to seven degrees cooler. The fans help to distribute the cool air coming out of your AC system more efficiently, allowing you to turn your thermostat up slightly without sacrificing comfort. And turning up the thermostat can help save you money on your energy bill.
2. Change the filter regularly
Changing or cleaning your air filter regularly is one of the very best things you can do to keep your AC system healthy. If you’re using a disposable filter, a good rule of thumb is to replace it every 90 days. If you have a reusable filter, vacuum it on a regular basis, and if you do that, it could last five to ten years.
3. Close the blinds and curtains
Sure, that will make your home a bit darker, but you’re helping to prevent solar heat gain, especially when sunlight is at its peak. As a matter of fact, by closing your window treatments, you can actually reduce that heat gain by as much as 45%, and that also helps reduce your utility bills by reducing the strain on your HVAC unit.
4. Mind your landscaping
The outside unit of your HVAC system has to breathe in order to operate efficiently. So make sure to clear away all grass, shrubs, limbs, and other debris that might interfere with the free flow of air around the compressor and other components of the outside unit.
5. Give your unit a rest
The U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat at 78° when you’re home and turning it up several degrees while you’re away at work or school. If you have trouble remembering to do that, consider having an HVAC technician install a programmable thermostat that will make these changes for you once you’ve programmed your settings into it.
6. Don’t spare the weather stripping, caulking, and insulation
Be sure to check for any cracks and opening around doors and windows that allow that precious cold air to escape into the summer heat. Be sure to apply plenty of weather stripping, caulking, and insulation wherever needed to prevent the escape of air out of your home.
7. Avoid raising the indoor temperature
During the hottest months of summer, it’s a good idea to avoid doing things that raise the indoor temperature, forcing your AC to work harder to keep you cool. That means, of course, keeping doors and windows closed, and it’s also a good idea to limit the use of appliances, like stovetops, ovens, and clothes dryers, that can increase the temperature inside your home.
Professional AC Maintenance from Jon Wayne Heating & Air
In addition to these seven basic summer air conditioning tips, the ultimate tip is to have your AC unit regularly inspected and maintained by the pros at Jon Wayne Heating & Air. There simply is no substitute for regular maintenance check ups to make sure your unit is operating properly and to address minor issues before they become major problems.
At Jon Wayne, we’ve been servicing homes and businesses in Springfield and surrounding communities for over 20 years, and we would like to have the opportunity to serve your system as well. Our HVAC technicians are the best in the business, and we won’t stop working until you’re completely satisfied.
For the very best in AC maintenance, service, and installation, contact Jon Wayne Heating & Air. Jon Wayne, the name you know and the name you can always trust!
