Spring is finally here, and as we prepare to appreciate the warmer weather arriving, we should also be getting our homes ready for the same reason. That’s because when the warmer weather begins calling on your air conditioner to turn on, it’s critical to have it set to go. That’s why we’re advising you implement these tasks to make the switch from heating to cooling more stress-free.
Check and swap the air filter
If you’ve read any previous blogs on this site, you could have guessed what our initial tip would be.
As we’ve often emphasized, every residential HVAC system must have its air filters changed regularly to function efficiently. After the winter months, it’s not unusual for dust and debris to gather, causing your system to work harder than it has to in order to sustain the preferred interior temperature. Preferably, you should swap out the air filter in your system around once a month.
Fact is, it’s really a great habit to check your filter weekly. If you detect an abnormal amount of dust or debris piling up, it’s usually a signal that there’s an enhanced filter option available. Most HVAC companies have a suggested air filter for their systems, including the size and MERV rating that’s best matched with your unit. Consult with your HVAC user manual to make sure you’re installing the right filter for your specific system.
Check around the area surrounding your outdoor AC unit
Now and then, you’re unable to remember that your AC unit has been patiently sitting outside all through the winter for the upcoming cooling season. A splendid way to be assured your home is prepared for the change from heating to cooling is to go outside and check the exterior unit (whether it’s a heat pump or an air conditioner) making sure it’s unhampered by any blockage and debris. Through the tough winter months, it’s not unusual to experience a build-up, including leaves, branches and grass in and around the outdoor unit. It takes but a few minutes to clean the area to help your system run better as the weather improves.
As you’re clearing, be careful not to damage any of the unit’s internal fans. The grille that guards the unit’s components must not have any obstructions. Next, inspect the wires that join the system to the inside of the home. If you detect that any of these wires are damaged, call the professionals at AR&C Services to fix them.
Seal any leaks
Long before the pinnacle of summer heat (and winter cold), perform a detailed inspection of your home, looking for any leaks and drafts. Seal any such gaps with appropriate insulation.
Insulation keeps outdoor air out and indoor air in, so your home maintains a steady temperature and your AC system need not work persistently when cooling (or heating) your home. Sealing leaks and using appropriate insulation enhance energy efficiency and leads toward a decrease in your energy bills.
Be sure your house is properly insulated
Inadequate insulation is an electricity bill-conscious person’s nightmare. With poor insulation, your space won’t be able to maintain the cold air that’s being pumped into it. Naturally, this will make your AC unit work harder, trying to offset the loss of cool air by pushing in even more cool air.
While this may work as far as keeping your space at a needed temperature, it can be quite costly.
Insulating your home appropriately may cost you money if your shortage of insulation is a structural problem. Nonetheless, these costs will pale when compared to the added expense you’ll experience every time you turn on your AC.
Get a ceiling fan assist
As mentioned in earlier blogs, ceiling fans can act as a great complement to your AC unit. Remember, in the summer, you want your ceiling fan to run counterclockwise. This will produce a cool downdraft, pushing air down and improving the wind chill effect, which can truly make you feel cooler. In so doing, you can also push up your thermostat setting by up to 4 additional degrees with no sacrifice in comfort. It’s a simple way to boost airflow in your space and cut down on your need for air conditioning, saving on energy costs.
Set it and forget it
It can be rather enticing to frequently fiddle with a thermostat. A tiny adjustment, however, can turn into big money at the end of the month. For every degree you drop your thermostat under 78 degrees, energy use is boosted by 8 percent. If your energy bill is $100 at 78 degrees, it’s $108 at 77 degrees. But let’s say you go a few degrees lower. You’re looking at a substantial hike in cooling costs.
Or you might want to consider our next tip . . .
Invest in “smart” technology
Any number of homeowners are deciding on smart thermostats thanks to their knack to be able to tailor the cooling (and heating) for your home in a manner that’s ideal for your lifestyle.
This smart technology not only fine tunes your home’s interior temperature by adhering to a schedule you create, but also “learns” your household habits and tweaks the temperature correspondingly. A prime example would be adjusting to energy-saving temperatures while you’re away.
Some units can even take weather into consideration when adjusting their settings, thanks to wi-fi connectivity. Or you can simply adjust the temperature setting from your smartphone.
For new air conditioners, go eco-friendly
Okay, let’s say you’re planning a new AC installation to replace an older unit. You might want to consider converting to a more energy-efficient unit. Doing your research is key, so make sure to consider all your options and investigate SEER ratings to determine the energy efficiency of would-be AC units. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and signifies the cooling output divided by the total energy expended to settle on the energy efficiency of an AC unit. The less energy used to operate the unit, the higher the SEER rating.
Calling the professionals at AC&R Services is a terrific way to find the most energy-efficient AC system that works for your home as well as get advice on SEER ratings. We can also help you save money on utility bills, while lessening your carbon footprint at the same time.