Tired of sweating? As higher summer temperatures set in, you are not the only one struggling to make it through the day. Your air conditioner is working harder to keep you cooler. To help you try and keep your energy bills down, Advance Mechanical has a few tips that could help you reduce your energy bills and give your HVAC unit some relief this summer.
Don’t Forget Regular HVAC Maintenance
When you perform routine maintenance on your HVAC system you can identify and address many issues before they become major problems. Professional tune-ups do not cost a lot, and they address components in your unit that are key to comfort and use. By making one call, you could be ensuring that your system does not go down with other units as summer temperatures begin to soar. Advance Mechanical can handle this for you, including:
- Topping off refrigerant levels to ensure your system provides you with the coolest air possible.
- Cleaning components such as the compressor and coils. These are integral parts of your unit and not maintaining them can lead to breakdowns and poor system performance during summer’s extreme heat and humidity.
- Verifying your thermostat is functioning properly and managing airflow so your home can remain comfortable without you constantly adjusting the thermostat.
Replace HVAC Filters Regularly
By replacing your HVAC filters regularly, you ensure you are getting optimal airflow and efficiency. Clogged filters can restrict airflow, making your system work harder resulting in higher energy bills. You should check your air filter monthly and replace them at least once every 3-months, but monthly if needed. A clogged filter forces your HVAC system to work harder and can be a common issue for emergency calls. Keeping your filters clean is one of the easiest, and most effective ways, you can improve your system’s performance and save money. It is also a critical component to increasing the lifespan of your system.
Set It and Forget It
Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature to keep your home cool and comfortable. Constantly moving the temperature up and down will not make your home cooler faster, and in actuality it will put immense pressure on your system, A good tip is every degree below 78, could increase energy costs by 8%. You may also want to consider investing in a programmable thermostat if you don’t already have one. Using a programmable thermostat can ensure comfort and energy savings. It can automatically adjust to preprogrammed temperatures throughout the day based on when you are home and away. You will also want to keep sunlight, lamps and anything heat producing away from your thermostat. The extra heat could also cause your system to run longer, which leads to higher energy bills.
Shade and Ventilation
Make sure you are using curtains, blinds or shades to block out sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. Also, be sure you are keeping your doors and vents unobstructed to promote airflow throughout your home.
If possible, give your HVAC system a little shade and breathing room. Systems that are in shaded areas and free of debris are more likely to have an easier time cooling air. So be sure to clear the overgrown grass, weeds, bushes and trees 2-4 feet around your unit to allow for adequate air flow, but a little shade.
Ceiling Fans
Although ceiling fans do not cool the rooms in your home, they do circular the cool air. Using ceiling fans will help distribute cool air more efficiently in your home and will also provide a cool breeze that can make you feel cooler as well.
Consider a Replacement
The last item on our list is, do not prolong the misery. What we mean is if you have an older HVAC system that has had problems keeping up during the summer months, you may want to consider replacing it with a newer, energy efficient model. Newer systems don’t work as hard or use as much energy to keep you comfortable during summer’s hottest and longest days. Plus, new units are covered by warranties and are less likely to break down when you need them most.
Let Advance Mechanical help you stay cool in the sizzling summer heat. Whether you need regular maintenance, repairs or a replacement our team is ready to help. Give us a call today, 252-355-9191.