Tips for maximizing your air conditioning

How to Help Your Air Conditioner Run Better This Summer

Summer is here, and that means before you know it, the outdoor temperatures will be soaring. Many people turn to their home’s air conditioning system as a reprieve from the summer heat. It’s great to come home to a cool, relaxing home, for sure. But when the utility bills arrive, it can be a little bit less than comfortable. How can you enjoy the benefits of air conditioning, while saving on the energy costs that are associated with it?

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to maximize your air conditioning while saving energy in the process. There’s no way around it – in most homes, the HVAC system expends the majority of energy used. But there are steps you as a homeowner can take to maximize your air conditioning system’s efficiency – all while keeping your family cool and comfortable, no matter how hot it gets outside.

Five Ways To Maximize Your Air Conditioning Efficiency

1. Take a break from cooking. At least in your kitchen, anyway. When the temperatures are soaring outside, consider cooking out, making meals that don’t require cooking, or using the slow cooker, or better yet, enjoying some takeout! Your oven will just add to the heat in your home, which will create extra work for your air conditioning system.
2. Get smart, stat. A smart thermostat is a great choice for maximizing the efficiency of your entire home comfort system, because it gives you better control. Today’s smart thermostats go beyond programming – you can control them remotely from a Smartphone, tablet or computer, and some are even designed to “learn” your family’s habits and adjust the indoor climate accordingly.
3. Mind your filter. One of the biggest ways to diminish your air conditioning system’s efficiency and effectiveness is by never changing the filter. The filter can get clogged with all sorts of debris, dirt and dust, and this makes it difficult for your AC to push the conditioned air through. Getting annual maintenance will ensure your filter is cleaned or changed, but you should check it monthly while your AC is in use.
4. Become a fan of fans. Your ceiling fans can actually work in partnership with your air conditioning system, helping to more efficiently move the cooled air through your home. And, operating a ceiling fan can allow you to set the temperature a couple of degrees higher – helping you save on your cooling costs.
5. Keep hot air out – and cool air in. If your doors and windows are leaky or drafty, it’s important to seal them. You can easily lose a lot of cooled air out of these areas, and the hot air can come inside too – making your home’s air conditioning system work much harder than it has to.

How Your HVAC Technician Can Help, Too

In addition to taking these steps toward better air conditioner efficiency, one of the single most important things you can do is get the annual maintenance your system needs. Your HVAC technician will make sure your unit is cleaned, running properly, has the appropriate level of refrigerant, and more. An added benefit to getting your AC its annual checkup? Maintaining your system’s warranty. Many manufacturers require that you get annual maintenance in order to keep the warranty intact.

If you need preventive maintenance for your air conditioning system, or if you want to learn more about how you can help your AC perform its best this summer, give Warren a call. We love to help you and your family stay cool and comfortable. Just give a call at 908.735.0791, and we’ll schedule an appointment for you to speak with one of our comfort specialists.