How To Maximize Your Air Conditioning in the Summer
How much of your energy bill is used to heat or cool your home? Do you know? The U.S. Department of Energy reports that heating and cooling account for approximately half of the typical home’s energy usage. That percentage is even higher when temperatures fluctuate above or below the norm for summer or winter. When energy prices are already high, you need your HVAC system to operate as efficiently as possible. Since we are in the hottest part of the year now, here are some practical ways to help you get the most out of your air conditioning.
Tips to Maximize Your Air Conditioning System
Schedule Regular Maintenance
If your HVAC system is not regularly checked and maintained, it’s much less likely to meet top performance standards. Annual professional check-ups can prevent issues and ensure your air conditioning works well when you need it to. If you do notice an issue, you should contact Weinkauf right away. Otherwise your air conditioning system will struggle to cool your home, using far more energy to meet minimum standards of cooling.
AC maintenance typically involves cleaning components, performing repairs, and refilling the refrigerant. Grime and dirt on parts like the evaporator coil can diminish the system’s performance, while proper care will extend the life of your equipment.
Weinkauf offers a number of maintenance plans to ensure that your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems remain in top-notch condition.
Replace Your Filters
Your HVAC system has to work harder to push air through a dirty filter. Over time, this may result in system failure and additional, unnecessary repairs. Also, a dirty filter can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites, and mold, creating an unhealthy atmosphere to live or work in.
For an HVAC unit that sees nearly year-round use, you should change your air filter at least every three months – more often if you have pets or your system is working around the clock to heat or cool.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Many HVAC professionals recommend setting the thermostat to 78 degrees to balance your comfort and your energy use. To save more energy, you can raise the thermostat settings to about 80 degrees when you’re away on vacation or at work. You can also set different temperatures in the morning and night when you sleep. The best and easiest way to manage this use is with a programmable thermostat.
Address Airflow Problems
If your vents are blocked by furniture or other objects, this interrupts your airflow and forces your HVAC system to work harder to cool. Inside the house, clear away anything that obstructs your vents and vacuum them regularly. Outside your home, you should also remove anything around your AC unit and make sure that it is not clogged with sticks, leaves, or other vegetation. You can also shade your AC unit from direct sunlight to improve its efficiency.
Check for Air Leaks
Sometimes the issue is not with your air conditioner but with air leaks. If your home is inadequately insulated or there are leaks in your ductwork or around your doors and windows, your HVAC system will have a tougher job cooling it. Ask Weinkauf about an energy audit if you would like to pinpoint spaces with inadequate insulation or are worried about air leaks in your home. We can find any problematic areas that need upgrading or sealing.
Add a Ductless Mini-Split System to Hard-To-Cool Areas
Zoning hard-to-cool areas in your home may be a more efficient way to cool them than running your HVAC system more often. Zones are independent areas that are regulated separately. They can be cooled efficiently with a ductless mini-split air conditioner. A ductless system does not require ductwork to transfer heat energy across larger spaces and is often the best way to extend air conditioning to an extra room in your home.
Prevent the Buildup of Ambient Heat
You can keep your rooms cooler by effectively managing ambient heat in your home. During sunny periods, close the curtains or shades. Using ceiling fans can help distribute cool air more evenly, reducing the strain on your air conditioner.
Use a Dehumidifier
Michigan has an average relative humidity of 72.1%. When it’s hot outside, the moisture in the air only makes it feel hotter. Turning down your thermostat only overworks your equipment, but adding a dehumidifier can reduce utility bills and enhance indoor comfort during the muggy days of summer. It can also prevent moisture damage to your furnishings and other valuables.
Take Practical Steps to Get More Out of Your Air Conditioner
In the summer your air conditioning is what keeps your family comfortable. Keeping your HVAC system running efficiently is a must for staying cool and keeping your energy costs down. By following the above tips, you can enjoy a comfortable and cost-effective summer. If you ever have any concerns about the functionality of your HVAC or would like to discuss adding features that would make it more effective at cooling, call us at Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating. We are always ready to help!
