Tips for Keeping Your Home Cool in Summer
Your air conditioner (AC) keeps you cool during the hot season, but the added electricity costs of having it on full blast all day can be a concern. In this summer AC guide, we give you tips on making the most of your system.
Whether your goal is to save on extra costs or enhance indoor air quality, you can quickly and easily implement these strategies for an energy-efficient, effective appliance.
How Your AC Works
Your AC absorbs hot air from the room and releases it as cold air. First, the hot air pulled from inside moves over cold evaporator coils, where the refrigerant removes the heat and releases it outside. Then, the cool air gets pumped back inside your home, and the process continues.
Optimizing your AC use can help you make the most of the appliance and keep it working at its best. With the right type of system for your home and by implementing practical steps, you can enjoy a reliable AC all summer.
Air Conditioning Tips for Maximum Efficiency and Comfort
Summer is a great time of year. You can enjoy the extra sun, relax next to a pool, and make the most of the outdoors. With the fun comes scorching temperatures, however, which means having the AC on full blast for longer. Follow these tips to maximize your AC’s efficiency in summer:
Optimize the Thermostat Settings
When it comes to thermostat settings for summer, turning the temperature all the way down isn’t always the best route. The closer your AC’s temperature is to the outside, the less it has to work. Turn the temperature up to the warmest you can handle. Turning your AC up by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit can save up to 10% annually on your energy bills. You can consider increasing the temperature by a further 10 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re away from home for longer periods.
With a smart thermostat, you can control your home’s temperature from an app, whether at the grocery store or miles away. Some smart thermostats can also learn your preferences after a few weeks. It’ll know your desired temperatures when you’re home, at work, on vacation, or when sleeping.
Smart programmable thermostats allow you to make the most of your AC and manage your home’s temperature even when you forget to change it.
Reduce AC Energy Consumption
Being hands-on with your AC is more beneficial than setting it and forgetting about it. The trick is to give your AC a break and turn up the temperature whenever you’re not in the room or at home. Doing so can lower your energy bills and improve the unit’s lifespan.
Further boost your AC’s performance by insulating your home, which keeps the cool air in and the warm air out. Fill any openings and cracks in walls, windows, and doors with weatherstripping or foam insulation. Installing ceiling fans can provide additional cooling without using your AC as much.
You may also want to try blocking out as much sunlight as possible by using drapes and blinds, and postpone switching on the stove, oven, and other heat-producing appliances until after midday. Doing this helps keep your home cooler, allowing your AC to work less.
Maintain the System Regularly
Having a maintenance service agreement is one of the best tips for keeping your home cool in summer. With regular maintenance, the technician can spot issues early and recommend repairs before they become breakdowns. Get a professional to regularly check the following:
- Refrigerant levels: If your AC’s refrigerant levels aren’t ideal, the system won’t run as efficiently as possible. A licensed HVAC technician can check the levels and get your AC working in top shape again.
- Cycling times: If a unit isn’t the correct size for your home or you have electrical issues, you may have short cycling, which causes the AC to stop and start too much. Watch for any cycling changes and let the HVAC technician know.
- AC fins and coils: The AC’s fins and coils contribute to keeping the appliance and your home cool, and an incorrect DIY cleaning can make the system even less efficient. A professional can check the components and provide safe, expert service.
- Air filters: Prevent compressor replacements and other expensive fixes with preventive filter cleaning. Clean filters also prevent mold buildup, creating healthier indoor air.
Maximize Indoor Air
An AC cools your home and reduces humidity levels, and you can improve cooling using fans to circulate air. Consider switching your AC off whenever possible and generating a comfortable breeze using box fans, which don’t use as much power as your AC. Place one fan in the window and another in the doorway to form a crossbreeze, blowing hot air out and cooler air in. If you have a ceiling fan, let it spin counterclockwise, creating a downdraft for a more direct breeze.
You can also complement your AC with a high-quality air purifier. A purifier cleans the air in your home, lowering the levels of mildew, dust, pollen, and other allergens. When your indoor air is cleaner, your AC works better, ensuring more efficient performance. You also won’t have to change the filters as much.
Be Prepared for AC Emergencies
A proper emergency checklist can keep you cool while waiting for repairs. Some things you can do to prepare for an AC emergency include having:
- Contact information for a reliable HVAC technician, especially one who provides emergency HVAC repairs.
- Quick access to alternative cooling, like electric or battery-powered fans and spare batteries.
- Enough bottled water.
- Some basic AC troubleshooting knowledge, like where the thermostat is and how to reset the circuit breaker.
More Tips to Get the Most From Your AC
Your AC manages your indoor temperature, and applying some easy strategies can maximize the appliance.
- Always keep your windows closed while the AC is on, and close the door to the bathroom while someone is taking a hot bath or shower.
- Clear obstructions like leaves and dirt from the inlets and outlets of your outdoor unit, and don’t store any furniture or large objects too close.
- Note any changes in noise or odors. Your AC shouldn’t produce a foul smell, gas smell, or loud rattling while it’s on. Spotting changes early and getting professional assistance can prevent the unit from working harder and using more power.
- Finally, know when it’s time to replace an old AC. A new unit provides better energy efficiency and cooler air, and smart programming puts you in control of your AC’s energy consumption.
The Experts at Ranck Have You Covered
With these tips, you can enjoy a better-performing system, save on costs, and avoid inconvenient breakdowns.
At Ranck, we’ve been serving homeowners with trusted HVAC services for decades. If you’d like more information about maximizing your AC in summer or want to book a service, complete this online form today.
