Extreme temperatures and high humidity are common summer conditions in Kansas City. Heatwaves can also drive up your energy consumption if you haven’t been paying attention to routine inspections and maintenance. We here at Air Care Heating & Cooling can help with the process of getting ready for extreme summer heat.
Scheduling Professional Inspections and Maintenance
We recommend you schedule inspections and maintenance for your HVAC system at least once a year. Some people choose to do this twice annually. This would include once in the early spring before you run your AC equipment and once in the early fall before you need to rely on your heating equipment. This process should always be performed by a professional with the knowledge to spot problems and perform tune-ups. We will ensure that all the components of your system are working efficiently and reliably, including the blower, condenser, compressor, belts, and refrigerant lines.
It’s common for particulate matter and debris to accumulate on the coils of your HVAC system. This can reduce efficiency, resulting in wear. It can also increase your energy consumption and raise your utility bills. If your refrigerant needs to be charged, this can also happen.
We inspect electrical components to ensure no damaged wires, loose connections or worn capacitors. Replacing these things quickly can prevent a catastrophic breakdown of your air conditioner and maintain equipment longevity.
Changing Your Filters Periodically
The filter in your HVAC system must be replaced every 30 to 90 days. This time frame varies depending on the type of filter you’re using in your home and how often you run your HVAC system. You may want to consider more frequent filter changes in the summer when pollen levels are high, especially if you’re someone who deals with allergies or asthma.
Consider upgrading your filter during the summer. A high-quality filter with a MERV rating between 8 and 12 will effectively trap particulate matter without negatively impacting airflow. However, work with your HVAC professional to ensure that you don’t choose a filter that’s too fine for your HVAC system to pull air through without causing wear.
Inspecting Your Outdoor AC Condenser
Your cooling system has an outdoor condenser that must have adequate airflow for ideal efficiency. Ensure this area remains clear of debris such as twigs, grass, or leaves. Avoid planting bushes or flowers near this unit. Always maintain at least 2 feet of clearance around your AC condenser. If you see that your condenser is dirty after a long winter, you can use a gentle spray from your garden hose to wash off debris. Using high pressure can cause damage.
Scheduling Ductwork Inspection and Maintenance
If you have any damage to your ductwork, this can cause your cooling equipment to be less efficient. If cool air escapes before it reaches its intended location in your home, this can lead to your HVAC system running more frequently without meeting your cooling demands. This drives up your utility bills and can lead to equipment wear. HVAC technicians can inspect your ductwork, provide duct sealing, and clean your ductwork to promote ample airflow. You should also consider investing in insulation around your ductwork. This helps keep air cool for longer, allowing all the rooms in your home to experience comfort during a heatwave.
Upgrading to a Smart Thermostat
Many homeowners are investing in a smart thermostat. This equipment provides better control over your indoor environment. A smart thermostat can also help you optimize the energy you use to reduce your energy consumption during a heatwave and reduce your carbon footprint. Smart thermostats let you program schedules into your device; you can remotely monitor your HVAC system and even utilize learning capabilities for better efficiency and cooling.
Consider the location of your thermostat. If it’s placed in an area that receives a lot of direct sunlight, it may cause your HVAC system to run more frequently. You should have your thermostat centrally located away from windows, doors, sunlight, and high temperatures or humidity in areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
Better Insulate Your Home
In addition to insulating your ductwork, you should consider the amount of insulation throughout your home. Many people associate insulation with keeping homes warm in the winter. However, you can retain cool air in your home using insulation. There are often tax incentives and rebates that can make investing in additional insulation cost-effective.
You should also seal any cracks or gaps around your windows and doors. This prevents cool air from escaping and keeps warm air outside. Use products like caulk or weatherstripping for a tight seal. This eases the burden on your HVAC system during a heatwave and throughout the rest of the year.
Performing a Home Energy Audit
It’s a good idea to periodically work with our team to determine how efficiently your home uses energy. This allows you to make appropriate adjustments and changes that can help control your indoor environment during heat waves. This process involves looking at your monthly energy bills to establish a baseline for energy usage. Then, inspecting your home will pinpoint if you have issues with old windows, inadequate insulation or defective seals.
Our team can help you test the performance of your heating and cooling systems and their age. We can also help you decide if it’s worth investing in new equipment. This includes looking over your HVAC system’s maintenance and repair history.
Considering Backup HVAC Power
If the power goes out in your home during a heatwave, your interior temperature will rise quickly. Many homeowners decide to invest in a backup generator for their residence. When the power goes out, this equipment will turn on, powering important things like your HVAC system and appliances. This is especially important if you or someone in your home requires electricity to power medical devices.
Other Considerations for Heatwaves
You can make other minor adjustments to change how comfortable your home is during a heatwave. Keep windows covered during peak hours to prevent the sun from increasing your indoor temperature. Windows and doors should stay closed to keep cool air contained. Maintain optimal relative humidity. Allowing your indoor humidity to rise above 50% can make your home feel warmer than it is. You’ll feel it’s necessary to run your cooling equipment more often, which leads to higher energy consumption and system strain.
Keep your pets in mind. Furry bodies are especially sensitive to hot temperatures. Give them plenty of water and think about them when programming your thermostat. Keep your home temperatures set to rise no higher than 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit when you are away.
Stay Cool with Help From Air Care Heating & Cooling!
We recommend working with our team here at Air Care Heating & Cooling when preparing for a Kansas City heatwave. Make sure you’ve invested in routine AC maintenance! An efficient and reliable HVAC system when needed most is well worth the investment. We can also perform emergency repairs and install a new furnace or air conditioner replacement when the time comes. Reach out today for more information.
