12 Must-Know AC Tips For The Summer
Everyone loves entering a cooled home after a long day in the summer heat.
But, there is a cost to it of course.
Did you know that your AC can make up for about 70 percent of the entire energy bill during the summer?
If you are concerned by this fact, check out these tips on how to make your AC more cost-efficient while fulfilling your cooling needs.
1. Have Your AC Serviced Earlier
What does this mean?
Well, the first tip that everyone will tell you is to service your AC annually.
Don’t wait for the hottest time of the year when the temperatures are too high.
In this case, you are bound to miss a small issue that can later create a bigger problem.
Ultimately, this can leave you without an AC in the middle of summer.
Save yourself the trouble of going through hell and call a professional ac maintenance company.
They will be able to service your unit just before summer starts.
The good thing about annual AC maintenance is that it ensures your AC is in peak condition, will run efficiently, and will make you enjoy your summer.
2. Resolve A Potential Issue Immediately
If you think that there is something wrong with your AC, don’t ignore it.
Make sure to call a professional and resolve it immediately.
In the long run, this action can save you a lot of money.
Think of it like this – something may cost you very little now in comparison to what it may cost you if you ignore it.
Even if you have already had the annual service, something can happen.
Keep your AC at an optimal point of functioning by repairing all small bits.
3. Monthly Check Of The Air Filters
There is a good place to start if you want to make sure your AC is working properly and it is the air filters.
Having them checked regularly can lead to nothing less than an optimal level of work.
When the air filters are not clean, the system needs more power to draw the necessary amount of air.
This puts a bigger strain on the system.
One of the best ways to improve the functioning of the AC is to check the air filters regularly.
This means fixing them, cleaning them, and replacing them.
This is how you will ensure optimal and smooth work.
4. Maintain A Clean Area Around The Unit
The unit you own outdoor should not be surrounded by plants, debris, or anything else.
This is why you need to remove all of it so you can allow for normal functioning.
The plants can obstruct the normal airflow and make the AC work harder than it usually does.
Ideally, there should be a clean area of about 4 feet from all sides of the unit.
5. Put The Condenser In Shade
This is one of the easiest and cheapest hacks out there.
All you need to do is make sure you do not put your condenser under a direct spotlight.
If you leave it under the sun, it will heat and it will work a lot harder than it should.
But on the other hand, you need to remember that it still needs airflow, so try not to block it while shielding it from the sun.
All you need to do is provide your unit with some shade.
6. Vacuum And Check The Vents Regularly
And by regularly, we mean monthly.
While you are checking your filters, don’t stop there.
Vacuum them too.
This is how you can ensure the high efficiency of your AC system.
Also, perform basic vent inspections.
You should do this every month and vacuum them so they remain clean.
7. Close Your Doors And Windows
Parents had always had a point when they told us to close the windows and the doors.
Each time a window is left open, you let the hot air in and the cold air out.
No matter how hard your AC tries to maintain a decent temperature, that won’t happen because of the cracked window.
This is not an efficient way to cool down your home, and it will have a big impact on your energy bill.
If you want to air out your home, then make sure to turn off your AC first, and open the windows after that.
8. Weatherize Your Windows And Doors
Over time, all those small leaks between the windows and doors can lead to a big sum of money that is wasted.
You might not notice it in your electricity bill now, but if you know that there are some cracks around your windows and doors, make sure to fix them immediately.
The gaps are the reason that the AC is working more than it should – the cold air escapes the room through them.
9. Provide Maximum Efficiency With The Help Of Your Thermostat
This tip is divided into two segments.
The first segment: where is your thermostat located?
If the position of your thermostat is not near the unit and is in a warmer place, you might want to consider changing it.
Call a professional and have them relocate your thermostat.
The reason for this is that, if the thermostat is away from the unit, in a warmer room, it shows a different temperature than the actual one in the home.
This can lead to the AC working completely unnecessarily.
The second segment: if your thermostat is placed properly, make sure there is no furniture or any other appliances around it.
This can lead to the thermostat showing the wrong temperature than the actual one.
10. Get A Window Film
The window film will keep your home cool in the summer and hot in the winter.
It is a great investment and we advise you to get it.
11. Take Your Landscape Into Consideration
The position of your property has a direct impact on how hard your AC is working.
Some materials radiate heat, such as concrete, rock, and asphalt.
If some of these materials are close to your home, then the temperature in your home will increase.
This is what will make your AC work harder than it should.
Try planting a few trees around your home, the shade can do more than wonders for you.
A well-placed tree makes up for all the temperature differences.
12. Think About An Upgrade
How long have you had your AC unit?
Has it been more than 10 or 20 years?
Even if you try to service and maintain your AC regularly, sometimes it just might be the time to upgrade to a newer, energy-efficient HVAC unit.
By adding a new air conditioner the value of your home will increase, and it is a great investment in the long run.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to ensure the maximum work of your AC, and its longevity too.
All you need to do is follow a few simple steps.
If you have any questions about ac repair and ac installation feel free to call us at 416-543-0641 or chat with us in near real-time on our Facebook fan page.