When the temperatures rise, your air conditioning system needs to work harder to keep your home comfortable. With that in mind, here are a few tips that can help improve efficiency, reduce utility expenses, and prevent costly breakdowns.
- Replace or Clean the Air Filter: A blocked filter reduces airflow, causing your unit to work harder and use more energy. We recommend checking your filter once a month during periods of excessive use.
- Pay Attention to the Outdoor Condenser Unit: It’s also important to keep the outdoor condenser unit free of debris. Grass clippings, leaves, weeds, and other debris can impact airflow and influence performance. It is best to maintain a two-foot distance around the unit and gently rinse it with a garden hose as needed.
- Correct Thermostat Setting: While it might be tempting, avoid setting your thermostat too low. Your air conditioning system cools at a consistent rate, which means that reducing the temperature significantly will not cool your home faster. Instead, set the thermostat to a comfortable level and consider using a programmable or smart thermostat to save energy.
- Reduce Heat Gain: Reducing heat gain within your home can also reduce the strain on your system. Close blinds and curtains during the hottest portions of the day and avoid using heat-producing appliances like ovens and dryers whenever possible.
- Schedule Maintenance: Routine maintenance can detect worn components, refrigerant leaks, and other possible problems before they cause unexpected breakdowns.
If your air conditioning system isn’t keeping up with the heat, we can help. Give us a call today to learn more.