As always, we want our customers to get the most out of their homes, especially their air conditioning and heating. Here at AC Express, we want to make sure that everyone knows about the great ways to improve effective heating and cooling practices while increasing efficiency and saving you money. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind as the temperatures flip flop back into the warmth!
- Reduce the amount that you need to operate your air conditioning system by taking preventive measures to cool like making sure your east and west side windows are shaded from the sunlight. Also, put off heat-generating tasks like operating the oven or dishwasher until the evening when it has already cooled off.
- Keep windows and doors closed throughout the day as to not let in any unwanted heat or humidity. Ventilating at night is okay if the temperature of the incoming air is 77 F or lower. A window should be open in each room. Interior doors must remain open to allow airflow.
- Use ceiling fans to increase comfort levels at higher thermostat settings. The standard human comfort range for light clothing in the summer is between 72 F and 78 F. To extend the comfort range to 82 F, you need a breeze of about 2.5 ft/sec or 1.7 mph. A slow-turning ceiling-mounted paddle fan can easily provide this airflow.
- In hot climates, plant shade trees around the house. Don’t plant trees in the South if you want to benefit from passive solar heating in the winter.
- If you have an air conditioning unit that is 15 years or older, then it is time to replace it with a more modern and energy-efficient model. This will cool your home more effectively as well as cost you less on energy bills. Make sure that it is properly sized. Get assistance from a professional air conditioning contractor.
- In hot, humid climates, make sure that your air conditioner is a two-stage system instead of a single-stage central air conditioning unit. It is much more effective at getting rid of moisture in your home while effectively cooling the air.
- Try not to use a dehumidifier at the same time your air conditioner is operating. The dehumidifier will increase the cooling load and force the air conditioner to work harder.
- Seal all air conditioner ducts, and insulate ducts that run through unheated basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
- Keep the thermostat set at 78 degrees F or higher if using ceiling fans. Don’t air-condition unused rooms. You can regulate this by closing individual vents in unused spaces and also closing their doors.
- Maintain your air conditioners properly to maximize efficiency. It’s highly recommended by any HVAC professional that you have your air conditioning system maintained with a bi-annual preventative maintenance check. This way, lingering issues can be found and major issues are more likely to be avoided.
- Install proper window treatments. They are meant for more than just décor. Window treatments help block out extra heat from sunlight and help insulate the indoor temperature.
- Apply solar control window films to help cut down solar heat as well.
- Provide shade for your outdoor AC unit. This will increase the unit’s efficiency by 5 percent to 10 percent.
- Regularly check and clean and/or replace air filters. Dirty air filters are one of the major causes of air conditioning malfunction.
- Turn down the AC when away at work and at night during sleep. Also, be sure to turn off the air conditioner when away from home for extended periods of time.
