You rely on your air conditioner to keep your home cool and comfortable throughout the warmest time of the year. However, this can cause stress on your cooling system. That additional strain can reduce its lifespan, cause excessive wear and tear, and increase your monthly energy costs. Fortunately, there are a few strategies you can take advantage of that will help prevent you from overworking your AC.
Utilize Natural Cooling
There are several natural ways to boost your cooling system’s effectiveness. They’re easy to use and affordable, and they’ll take some of the burden off your AC.
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Ceiling fans can circulate the air in a room and create a cool breeze. They won’t necessarily lower the temperature in your home, but they will make you feel comfortable. Set fans to rotate counterclockwise during the summer months. Your fan should have a directional switch that is easily accessible. This switch is typically on the motor housing, but your fan may have a pull chain or a remote control for changing the blades’ direction. This creates a downdraft, which provides you with a windchill effect as it pushes the cool air down.
You can also open your windows at night. This lets in fresh air and provides a refreshing cross breeze on evenings when the outdoor temperature drops. Using window fans during these nights will enhance ventilation.
Using Window Treatments
Close your curtains and blinds during the hottest part of the day. This blocks sunlight, which reduces the heat entering your home. It makes you feel more comfortable and reduces your reliance on your AC. The sun’s rays transfer heat to the surfaces in your house. That heat then radiates into your room. Up to 30% of unwanted heat comes through your windows.
In addition to closing your curtains, you can use heat-reducing window film on windows that receive a lot of sun throughout the day. Consider installing window awnings and planting trees on your property. This will create shade and reduce your home’s heat absorption.
Insulation and Sealing Gaps
Proper insulation and sealing open areas will prevent cool air from escaping while the AC is running. It also keeps hot air from coming inside. Focus on insulating your attic, walls, and around any exposed ductwork. Spray foam, fiberglass batting, and rigid foam boards are all effective. Which one you choose depends on your specific needs and budget.
Seal around windows, doors, and any place where wires or pipes enter your house. Use caulk, weather stripping, or door guards.
Optimize Your AC’s Efficiency
In addition to utilizing ways to keep your home naturally cooler, you’ll want to ensure your AC is operating as efficiently as possible. Try the following suggestions to achieve this goal.
Adjusting Your Thermostat Settings
You want to set your thermostat at a comfortable but higher temperature when away and lower when you’re at home. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting it at 78°F to balance comfort and energy savings while at home. When you are away, adjust this by seven to ten degrees. Cooling an empty house is a waste of energy and puts unnecessary strain on your cooling system. You may want to keep it slightly cooler for sleeping. Try 72° to 75°F to see if it makes a difference.
The location of your thermostat is important. It should be on an internal wall away from direct sunlight, your HVAC vents, and any heat-generating appliances. This ensures accurate readings. Avoid placing a thermostat near your kitchen or laundry room, as these are areas that often experience warmer temperatures.
Consider using a smart thermostat to automate temperature adjustments and optimize your AC’s energy use. These devices learn your schedule and adjust temperatures accordingly so that the AC isn’t running unnecessarily when you aren’t home. It can also adapt to real-time weather conditions to prevent the AC from overworking.
Scheduling and Performing Routine Maintenance
Dirty air filters will cause your AC to work harder. For optimal airflow, replace disposable air filters every 30 to 90 days. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on your filter for more accurate information. Clean washable air filters regularly. You also want to keep the outdoor compressor clear of debris and ensure it has proper shade. Remove any twigs, branches, or grass from it.
It’s also very important to routinely schedule professional maintenance once per year. Our team of expert technicians can assess the overall condition of your cooling system and do thorough cleaning. This includes addressing the condenser and evaporator coils to improve efficiency. We’ll also clean and inspect the condensate drain line to prevent clogs and water damage. We will check refrigerant levels, the electrical connections, and the blower motor. Once we finish, we’ll provide you with a full report, which includes any recommendations for repairs. By scheduling our annual AC maintenance each spring, your system will be ready to handle the upcoming summer heat.
Address Repairs Promptly
It’s important that you don’t put off AC repairs. A malfunctioning cooling system must work much harder to keep you comfortable. This adds unnecessary stress to the AC. Ignoring issues will only lead to more extensive and costly complications later. You’re also increasing the risk of a complete breakdown and possibly a premature replacement.
Additional Considerations
Avoid using heat-generating appliances, such as clothes dryers, ovens, and dishwashers, during the hottest part of the day. Instead, be creative. Cooking outdoors on the grill or choosing to make meals that don’t require cooking keeps your home cool and can be a lot of fun. It’s also a great time of year to hang clothes and bedding outdoors to dry.
Keep all your HVAC vents open. You may think it’s best to close vents in rooms you don’t use, but this doesn’t help support your AC. Unfortunately, closing those vents can increase the pressure in your ducts, which potentially leads to equipment damage. Don’t block vents with furniture, curtains, or other items.
Even something as simple as switching out your lightbulbs will help reduce the strain on your cooling system. Incandescent bulbs release most of their energy as heat. Switching to LED bulbs will keep your rooms cooler. As an additional bonus, you’ll save money on your monthly electricity bill.
By implementing these policies, you’ll enjoy a cool and comfortable home throughout the hottest months of the year. This also minimizes the strain on your AC, which can help extend its lifespan. Furthermore, you’ll have the additional perk of saving money on your monthly energy bills. When it comes to AC service in Kansas City, MO, Air Care Heating & Cooling is here to help. Our comprehensive maintenance plans will keep your cooling system in excellent shape, and if you do encounter an issue, we offer 24/7 emergency service.
As a member of the ACCA, our team works on all brands and models of AC units and HVAC equipment. When the time comes for an AC replacement, you can count on us for Energy Star systems from the leading name brands like Lennox. We can help ease the expense of a new AC installation with financing on approved credit. Contact Air Care Heating & Cooling in Kansas City today for more information.
