Six Ways to Help Your A/C Do its Best Work This Summer
With the warm season in full swing, your air conditioning unit is no doubt working as hard as it can to keep your family cool and comfortable.
While you don't need to give it a pat on the back or anything, your cooling system will undoubtedly appreciate you taking a few steps to make its life a little easier. You'll accrue fewer repairs in the long run and enjoy a more comfortable home in the short term. It's a double win!
Below, Furnace Doctors and Saint Paul Park HVAC contractors discuss a few ways that you can set your air conditioning up for success this season.
Prevent Air Leaks
We've all heard the old joke when somebody holds the front door open too long: "Come on in; we're not paying to cool outside!". But if your home is dealing with air leaks, you might be paying to cool the outdoors without even knowing it, which puts additional undue strain on your A/C.
We've actually written an entire blog on air leaks, so check it out for the full scoop. In short, these are cracks or crevices where your home's interior air escapes to the outside—or vice versa—where it isn't supposed to.
Fix them up with this guide from the United States Department of Energy. Not only will you find your home less drafty and more comfortable, but your air conditioner will run much more efficiently.
Stay Up to Date With Filter Changes
Your HVAC system's filters have a huge effect on how well—or poorly—that system functions. As we covered in our residential indoor air quality blog, filters eventually become clogged with dirt, dust, and debris, regardless of how high their MERV value is.
They then physically restrict airflow, making your cooling unit work harder to keep your home at a given temperature. Plus, you'll get gross, unfiltered air circulating through your household. Ick!
Every filter must adhere to a unique maintenance schedule if you want your A/C to continue to work unimpeded. If you're unsure how to stick to it, ask your HVAC contractor.
Communication Is Key
If you're part of a family that only uses the air conditioning intermittently during the hotter months, you'll need to make sure everyone is always on the same page about when it's on versus off. Leaving the windows open and the air conditioning running is a recipe for sky-high energy bills and long-term system exhaustion!
Upgrade Your Insulation
No matter how efficient your air conditioner is, it will struggle to keep a poorly insulated house comfortable. Inspect your doors and windows for leaks and update any worn or damaged seals, and schedule an inspection to ensure your attic and walls have appropriate insulation levels to remove the strain on your A/C.
Keep Blinds and Curtains Closed
As beautiful as warm sunny days are, keeping curtains and blinds open keeps the internal temperature hotter, ensuring your A/C will be running over time. Keep curtains and blinds closed, or consider upgrading to blackout variations in rooms with more sunlight and reduce some of the wear and tear on your A/C system.
Add More Fans
Even a slight breeze can make a difference on a hot day, and while your room and ceiling fans aren't going to generate cold air, they can make a difference in your comfort level. The direction they turn also matters, and during the summer, they need to spin clockwise because this will create a downdraft, creating a breeze.
Using fans can also lower your overall energy expenses and reduce the risk of common A/C issues, putting more money in your pocket each month.
Furnace Doctors: Here to Help Keep Your Heating and Cooling Healthy
These are just a few expert tips to help your AC run more efficiently, and our Saint Paul Park team would be happy to help safeguard your system's efficiency and well-being. Our dedication to customer satisfaction shines through, and we are 100% committed to providing exceptional services you can depend on.
Your A/C system deserves the best care possible; contact us online or call our office today at 651-789-3082.