Air conditioning isn’t a year-round necessity in Ohio, but proper HVAC maintenance shouldn’t only be a seasonal concern. Your heating and ventilation depend on your HVAC system too, and when you do need to turn on the AC unit, it should operate at maximum capacity to keep you comfortable without draining your savings. If your bill spikes every summer or your AC unit is old, the increase could reflect preventable problems such as heat gain, inefficient parts, or a lack of proper air flow.
To optimize your AC use this summer, just incorporate a few easy techniques into your maintenance and energy use habits. Your unit will last longer, your electricity costs will decrease, and your carbon footprint will shrink if you pay attention to the following essentials.
Tune-Ups
Filters, fluids and electrical components must be checked regularly and replaced when necessary. Rust, trapped leaves, leaking fluids, and odd noises are common indications that your AC unit isn’t functioning at full capacity. Some problems have quick fixes, such as a thorough cleaning or a new filter, but lead to irreparable damage if you ignore them for too long.
Schedule AC repair services when you spot damage, and schedule an annual or semi-annual tune-up with reliable HVAC contractors. Only an HVAC specialist is qualified to keep your ducts, fans, motors, coils, filters, vents, and a variety of other crucial parts in clean, working order.
Windows
Don’t open the blinds when the sun is shining directly onto a window. Luckily, the sun’s position changes throughout the day, so you don’t have to keep your whole house dark during daylight hours. Just remember to close your curtains or blinds when the sun is at its brightest to prevent a greenhouse effect in your indoor spaces.
Maximize your window use for cooler periods, too. On breezy spring or autumn afternoons, open the windows and turn off the AC. Your AC unit will get a break, and you’ll enjoy fresh air indoors. Just be careful about letting allergens inside, and invest in screens and a good ventilation system to prevent outside threats such as moisture and insects.
Fans
Fans increase ventilation and provide direct cooling. Instead of turning up your thermostat and causing the AC unit to push more power through your entire home, install ceiling fans or plug in oscillating fans in spaces that feel too warm or stale.
Fans aren’t always energy-efficient; it’s still important to check the Energy Star rating and turn it off when it’s not in use. However, some low-power or solar-powered fans are excellent alternatives to running the AC. Instead of paying to cool your whole house, rely on fans when certain people get a little too warm or outside temperatures become more bearable.
Thermostat
It’s inefficient to keep your home at the same temperature all year long, so allow yourself several degrees of wiggle room. During the summer, set your indoor temperature a few degrees higher than your ideal temperature. Adjust it again when your home is empty, and before everyone goes to bed.
On sunny summer days, your AC unit must work harder to maintain your usual temperature indoors. Sometimes the heat even puts an additional strain on your AC unit’s metal components. Give your motors and coils a break by getting used to a slightly higher temperature.
At Buckeye Heating & Cooling, we know your AC unit plays a big role in your family’s comfort and costs. Ask about our loyalty maintenance plans or call us to schedule an HVAC appointment today.
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