As the temperature outside continues to rise, so does the demand for air conditioning. Proper HVAC preparation is essential to keep your home comfortable or maximize energy efficiency during summer. Besides, improper use or maintenance of your air conditioner can decrease efficiency and cooling capacity, costing you more money. Here are some tips to help ensure your HVAC unit is ready for the hot months ahead.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
Schedule annual maintenance for your HVAC unit to ensure it is in good working order and runs all summer efficiently. Maintenance start by cleaning or replacing your air filter after every three months. A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and force the unit to work harder, resulting in decreased cooling performance and higher energy bills. You can help keep your HVAC unit running smoothly this summer by keeping your air filter clean. Homeowners with pets should change their air filters more frequently.
Aside from changing your air filter, you can do a few other things to prepare your HVAC for the summer. Check and clean your unit’s coils once a month. The coils help transfer heat, so the unit has to work harder to cool your home if they’re dirty. Inspect your ductwork for leaks or holes and seal them with duct tape or mastic sealant. Properly sealed ductwork will help keep your cool air from escaping and improve your unit’s efficiency. By scheduling annual maintenance, you can help ensure your HVAC unit is ready to cool your home all summer long.
Inspect and Seal the Leaks
Leaky ducts can allow cool air to escape, causing your unit to work harder and raise your energy bills. You can increase the efficiency of your unit and save money on cooling costs by
sealing air leaks.
There are several methods for repairing air leaks. The first step is to use caulk or weather-stripping to seal gaps around doors and windows. You can also use duct tape or mastic sealant to seal leaks in your ductwork. Finally, ensure your attic gets insulated properly to prevent cool air from escaping through the roof.
Clean the HVAC Unit
Clearing away debris can help your HVAC system prepare for the summer. Removing any obstructions around the unit ensures that cool air can circulate freely and efficiently cool your home. Additionally, cleaning the unit can help extend its lifespan and keep it running smoothly throughout the summer.
Clear away any leaves, branches, or other objects blocking your unit. Furthermore, keeping the area around the unit clean can help reduce your energy costs because the unit will not have to work as hard to cool your home.
Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat
Upgrading to a programmable thermostat is one of the best ways to get the most out of your AC. A programmable thermostat can help you save energy and money by allowing you to customize your cooling schedule. You can program the thermostat to cool your home at specific times of the day or while you’re away at work or on vacation.
Additionally, a programmable thermostat can help you keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long without breaking the bank. Finally, a programmable thermostat can help extend the life of your HVAC unit by preventing it from overworking.
Use the Ceiling Fans
Using ceiling fans to cool your home during the summer is one option. Ceiling fans can help circulate cool air throughout your home, reducing energy costs. To get the most out of your ceiling fan, use it with your air conditioner. Running both devices simultaneously allows you to cool your home more efficiently and effectively.
Furthermore, using a ceiling fan can help reduce the wear and tear on your air conditioner because it will not have to work as hard to cool your home. You can also set the ceiling fans to run slower when you’re not home to save even more energy.
Get the Best Lighting Options
Did you know that the lightbulbs you use in your home can affect how well your air conditioner works? This is because different types of bulbs produce varying degrees of heat. Halogen and incandescent bulbs, for example, emit more heat than LED bulbs, which means they also add heat to your home.
If you want to get the most out of your air conditioner, replace any halogen or incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs. LED bulbs are more energy-efficient and emit less heat, which can help keep your home cool and comfortable all summer. They will also help you save money on your energy bills.
Inspect the Air Conditioner Refrigerant Levels
Before summer arrives, check the air conditioner refrigerant levels. If the refrigerant levels are low, your air conditioner will have to work harder to cool your home, resulting in higher energy costs. Recharging the system can help prevent motor burnout or ice buildup.
Call an expert to check your freon level, and if necessary, they will recharge your system to prevent motor burnout or ice buildup. This will help your AC run more efficiently and effectively, cooling your home while saving you money on your energy bill.
Summer HVAC Preparation
Now is an excellent time to give your HVAC unit some much-needed attention. Use our summer checklist to ensure that your system runs smoothly and efficiently before the weather gets too hot. Make an appointment with Eagle Heating and Cooling to tune up and clean your HVAC system before the summer heat arrives.