The dog days of summer are officially upon us, and we’ve been feeling the heat. But before you crank the A/C on full blast around the clock (or even if you have already), make sure you’re taking steps to get the most out of your air conditioner. Here are five tips that can help you save money on utility bills and HVAC repairs this summer.
Get a Professional Inspection/Service
Every year, you should have an HVAC professional complete a maintenance check on your A/C unit. They will make sure your system is running at maximum efficiency, identify any issues, and know how to correct them before they become big problems later on. Otherwise, you might be left without A/C on a hot day and needing a more expensive repair.
Change or Clean the Filter
A clean filter helps regulate temperature and humidity levels in your home, and filters out pollen, dust, and other allergens to maintain indoor air quality. Change your air filter once every three months, or clean it once a month if it’s re-usable, to keep your HVAC system running efficiently and effectively.
Use Ceiling Fans in Your Home
Ceiling fans work to simultaneously draw warm air up and push cool air down, letting you set the thermostat a few degrees higher. They also use less energy than even the most efficient A/C systems, which reduces the overall usage required to cool your home. Just make sure the blades are spinning counterclockwise for proper circulation!
Close Vents and Doors of Unused Rooms
Focus your system’s cool air in the rooms you and your family use on a regular basis. Closing vents in the unused rooms can direct cooler air into the more common areas like the living room and kitchen. Also, shut the doors of these vacant areas so your air conditioner doesn’t have to cool down as much space, thus cooling your home faster.
Only Use Your Oven and Dryer During Cooler Hours
Appliances such as your oven and dryer put out heat when they’re used. Whenever possible, try to use them during the cooler hours of the day (earlier morning or late evening) so you’re not counteracting your A/C unit. As we continue to experience the heat and humidity of a Minnesota summer, use these tips and tricks to get the most out of your air conditioner. And for all your A/C repair and maintenance needs, you can rely on the heating and cooling experts at Stafford Home Service Inc.. Contact us to learn more.
