For many of us summer is the most fun time of the year. The kids are out of school and when they are home during the day the air conditioner is bound to be working overtime.
Thermostat
If the AC has not been keeping your home consistently cool then you may simply have a faulty thermostat. The newer thermostats are programable and can be controlled with wifi from your phone. These are much easier to use and you can set a specific schedule for temperatures inside the home.
Filters
Changing your AC filters on a regular basis will improve not only your home’s indoor air quality but it will also be more efficient. If you live in a home with pets, smokers, or a home that has a lot of people coming and going then you will want to change it every one or two months.
Ceiling Fans
According to the US Department of Energy, if you run an air conditioning unit while simultaneously running your ceiling fan, you could raise the temperature 4 degrees! Don’t forget to change the setting on your ceiling fan between winter and summer so that the blade rotation changes and you get the full effects of the fan!
Condenser Unit
Clean your air conditioner coils. The AC absorbs hot air through the condenser coils, cooling that air and then pushing it back into the home. If the coils are dirty, they won’t be able to absorb the heat at an efficient rate, leading to the unit having to work harder to cool the air. This will lead to higher energy costs.
Insulation and Seals
Most homeowners hear insulation and they automatically think winter, but insulation is incredibly important in the summer as well. Insulation slows the rate of heat transfer, which is applicable in both hot and cold climates. It is also important to maintain the seals around your home’s doors, windows, and skylights.
Maintenance
Don’t neglect your bi-annual maintenance. Even if your unit seems to be working perfectly fine it is still a good idea to get a tune up at the beginning of each summer (and winter). This will help to prevent major unexpected problems from happening at the most inopportune time.
