Air conditioners work to keep the home cool. The higher the temperatures outside are or the more moisture in the air, the harder they have to work to keep your home cool. That means more energy use and higher costs. That can seem frustrating, but there are a few things you can do to keep your system operating efficiently. If you have yet to do so, your first step is to schedule HVAC service in Weatherford, TX, to ensure it is working at its best. Then, consider these tips to use throughout the summer months.
Keep Doors and Windows Sealed
Reduce the amount of hot air getting into the home. Keep all windows and doors closed. With windows, it helps significantly to lock them, as that creates a tighter seal around them, blocking out air conditioning loss. Be sure there are no gaps either, especially around the doors of your home. Those small gaps, such as where the gaskets and seals are slipping out of place, can allow a lot of air loss.
Keep Heat-Producing Appliances Away from the Thermostat
Be sure your thermostat is placed in an area of the home that is surrounded by air that’s free-moving and not impacted by a heat source. For example, if it is by the window or a hot-burning lamp, it may detect the air temperature in the space as slightly higher than it really is. That causes it to turn on often. Your thermostat shouldn’t sit near a big, bright window or be on a wall where there is ductwork directly behind it.
Remove Debris from the Outdoor Condenser
The outdoor condenser needs to pull air into the home to cool. If there are leaves and debris clogging its filter system, that makes it very difficult for it to pull in enough air. It has to work harder to do so. The harder it works, the more energy it needs. Wash off the condenser and remove anything from around it that could be limiting that airflow.
Cover Your Windows
This is especially important during the hot parts of the day. The goal is to cover your windows to prevent the sun’s UV rays from heating the interior of your home. Even a simple shade can offer a significant improvement without a lot of money spent on the process. Close your blinds and curtains at various times of the day when the sun is shining the brightest into that space.
Fix Any Attic Problems
The attic can be more of a problem than you realize. First, hot air rises, so it tends to build there. The sun is also helping to warm this space. However, there’s also little airflow, which traps that heat in your home and can make the upper floors hotter. You can have attic vents put in that help to remove some of that heat, keeping your home cooler. At the same time, be sure there are no air leaks in this area as well that could allow cooled air out.
Contact Don’s AC Service, Inc today to schedule an appointment with our professionals.