Summer may be coming to a close, but you know as well as we do that our warmer temperatures stick around for a while. your air conditioner has gotten quite the workout and still has a ways to go.
The good news is, there are plenty of things you can do to ensure that your air conditioner works as efficiently as possible, for the rest of this year and beyond, while making sure your home is as comfortable as possible. Read on to learn how!
Replace Your HVAC Air Filter Every 1-3 Months
The air filter that comes standard with your HVAC system is designed to protect the HVAC system itself from dust, dirt, and other debris that can get inside and damage its components. When it gets too clogged up with that debris, it can restrict airflow.
Restricted airflow means your air conditioner has to run longer to try to reach the desired temperature on your thermostat, therefore working inefficiently. Replacing this air filter every 1-3 months helps you avoid this.
Get a Whole-House Dehumidifier
The ideal relative humidity level in any given home is 30-50%. Anything above that 50% is too humid. Excessive humidity causes a number of problems. First off, it makes you feel warmer than it actually is in the home. As a result you’ll likely adjust your thermostat to try to make it feel cooler, to no avail.
Excessive humidity also encourages the growth of mold and mildew, leading to potential property damage. A whole-house dehumidifier can be installed directly into your ductwork where it effectively dehumidifies your home, benefiting both your property and your comfort, in addition to the efficiency of your cooling system.
Turn Off Heat-Producing Lights
You might be surprised by how much heat your lighting can add to your home. That ambient heat could add a couple degrees or more to the rooms the lighting is in. This means your air conditioner has to start working earlier in the day to bring in cooled air. So, it’s running longer and essentially working harder to do it’s job, which is costing you more than it should!
Close Curtains and Blinds
Just like with your lighting, the sun brings in ambient heat. This is especially true for rooms with south-facing windows, which get the most sun. Be sure to keep your curtains and blinds closed during the day to reduce some of that ambient heat.
Ensure Vents Aren’t Blocked
Check the vents around your home. Are any of them closed, or blocked off by furniture? When this happens, greater air pressure is created elsewhere in your system. Unless you have a zone-control system, your cooling system isn’t designed to handle this, and as a result you can suffer from ductwork damage.
When ducts are breached, it can allow for as much as a 30% loss in conditioned air. That’s conditioned air that you are otherwise paying for! Keep your room vents open and allow your air conditioner to work as it’s meant to.
Schedule Maintenance!
You know the saying “better late than never”? It absolutely applies here! Sure, we recommend this service in the spring since that’s before you need your system the most. But the truth is, as long as you’re having the service done annually, right now is a fine time to schedule it!
For professional AC repair in Suwanee, GA, look no further than DC Cheek Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Contact us today!
