The summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but it also gets quite hot. When you walk into your home, you want to ensure that you walk into a comfortable sanctuary from the heat. Most people use air conditioning in order to do this. You want to use your air conditioning thoughtfully so that you keep your home as cool as possible. Here are eight air conditioner tips to beat the heat.
1. Change the Filter
Every HVAC unit has a filter. This filter collects dust and other unwanted material in the air. After a while, the filter needs to be tended to. Each unit will have a light on it to indicate when the filter is dirty.
Generally speaking, there are two types of filters: disposable filters and reusable filters. If your unit uses disposable filters, you will need to change the filter when the unit indicates, usually monthly. For reusable filters, you will just clean it and then put back into place. You’ll need to do this regularly, about once a week, when the unit is being used heavily. This varies, however, based on how often you use the unit and the air quality in your home. If you do not clean the filter, the unit can get clogged up. Also, you may send debris back into your air, hurting your air quality.
2. Replace/Repair When Necessary
Just like any other appliance in your home, you are going to run into problems with your unit from time to time. When this happens, you need to get it fixed right away if you want to keep your home cool. Some of the most common AC problems you’ll experience include:
- Insufficient cold air
- Leaks
- Weird noises
- Failure to turn on
- Freezing
Just like any other appliance, the unit will only last for so long. If you’ve had your AC for 20 years, it may be time to replace the entire system instead of getting a repair. You never know on a machine that old how quickly you’ll need another repair. Once you add all the repairs, a new unit could end up being the cheaper option.
3. Put the AC in the Shade
Many AC units are partially outside. Being outside in the heat could affect the way the unit works. Do your best to keep it consistent by putting it in the shade. This way the sun won’t damage it or cause errors in its functionality. If you don’t have shade, you can create some by building something above the unit or planting a large tree nearby.
4. Insulate
Insulation is a material that goes into the wall. It’s usually the consistency of foam, and it can be made out of fiberglass, cellulose, or mineral wool. The insulation could lose effectiveness over time, so it’s important to add new insulation every couple of years. Putting insulation into the wall isn’t the only way to increase the amount of cold air that stays in your home.
You should make a point to buy windows and doors that improve efficiency. Naturally, this also means that you should keep the windows and doors closed at all times if you are using the air conditioner.
If your roof is old, you should also repair or replace it to keep warm air from getting in. The great thing about being properly insulated is that you will be cooler, and you will also save money on your utility bill since your unit doesn’t have to work as hard.
5. Get Programmable Thermostat
A programmable or a smart thermostat is a thermostat that will change automatically based on your settings. For example, you can set the air conditioning to go off when you leave for the day. If you set the time, you won’t have to worry about remembering to change the temperature before you leave in the morning. This way you won’t accidentally cool the house when no one is home.
You don’t want to come home to a hot living room, though. That’s why you can set the temperature to change an hour or half-hour before you arrive. Automatically changing the temperature will also help lower your utility bills every month.
6. Get the Right Size of Air Conditioner
It’s important to get the right size of air conditioner for your home. If you get one too small, you won’t be able to keep your home cool. The air will only cool off the areas it’s in. If you get a unit that’s too big, you will end up paying too much for cooling than you need to. However, how do you know what size of air conditioner is right for you?
Well, if it’s time to install a new air conditioner, talk to the professionals. You’ll need to learn the square footage of your home. Once you provide that information, they’ll be able to help you make the right decision.
If your HVAC unit is the wrong size but doesn’t need to be replaced yet, talk to the HVAC professionals about your alternatives. There are options to be considered before you buy a new one or continue to use an HVAC that is not correctly sized for your home.
7. Use a Fan
Sometimes you need to use a combination of things with the air conditioner to help keep your home as cool as possible. Don’t forget to use your fans whenever you can. The fan will help circulate the cold air and provide a breeze if you use it with the AC.
You can also choose to use a fan instead of air conditioning if you only need to cool down one room. Fans cost less to power than air conditioning. Plus, they are better for the environment. Don’t just use your ceiling fans; it’s a good idea to buy some standing fans, too.
8. Get Regular Maintenance
You need to have someone examine your HVAC unit and run regular maintenance if you expect it to continue to work properly. Call the professionals to come every year. They will thoroughly clean it and look for any problems during the checkup. This will help the unit run at top efficiency.
With regular maintenance, you will notice that the HVAC unit cools the home more quickly while keeping the air clean. Most people opt to get maintenance at the beginning of summer before it gets too hot. You want to get maintenance before you will be using the unit often.
It’s not enough to have an HVAC unit; you need to use it wisely. In order to make the most out of it, you should make a point to keep up with repairs and maintenance. You also want to keep your home insulated to ensure that the cold air stays inside. If you follow all of these tips, your home will be more comfortable. Even better, you may be able to save a couple of dollars.
If you have more questions, call Honest Air Conditioning today and consider upgrading, maintaining, or repairing your Mesa, AZ, air conditioner today. Our team also offers a full range of heating services to our local customers.