Three Summer Air Conditioner Tips
Each year we look forward to beaches, pools, being outdoors… until it’s hot and humid. Here in New England, we’re used to the humid summers. For some us of, air conditioners are a lifesaver. If you do have an AC in your home, we compiled some of our favorite tips to our customers.
Windows
Use your windows to gain cool air and keep out the heat! Depending on our summer nights, we may have some cooler nights. Lower the temperature at night, or turn it off altogether. If you do turn it off, when you wake in the morning, shut the windows and blinds to capture the cool air. You can also install window coverings to prevent heat gain through your windows. Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.
Maintenance
Keep your cooling system running efficiently by scheduling regular maintenance for your cooling equipment. Outside of maintenance on the system, avoid placing lamps or TV sets near your room air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary if set on automatic. Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be. When you are turning on your thermostat, you should avoid setting it at a colder setting than normal. It won’t cool your house any quicker and could result in excessive cooling and an unnecessary additional expense.
Clean/change the air filter. If you only make one tune-up this season, clean your air filter – doing so can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by up to 15%. In the summertime, you should wash your reusable filter or replace your disposable one once per month. Clear the area around the outdoor unit. Keep plants at least two feet away from the unit so it is free to pull in outdoor air without any blockage.
Ventilation
Use fans and ventilation methods to cool your home. If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4-5°F with no reduction in comfort. Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room. One thing to note is that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect. Another way to help with ventilation is using the fan in your bathroom when you are showering. Also check your laundry room for a spot ventilation, as machines also release heat and humidity. Make sure the fans are vented to the outside, not just to the attic! You want the air to escape the house, not keep it in. Making sure the areas where your ducts run through parts of your home without air conditioning (like the attic) are properly insulated will keep the air coming in as cool as it can be.
The basement is traditionally the coolest room in the home, so try closing all the vents in the lower portion of your home. Heat rises as the cool air will slink down there naturally and by closing those vents, you’re forcing all the air up top first, cooling as it comes down.
Overall, there are many things you can do to make this summer more enjoyable for you and your family. One last tip is that it is OK to have it warmer at night. During the night time hours you don’t require the same level of conscious cool. Try turning your AC down (so it is running less) during your sleep hours or an hour or two before bed. Have any questions related to HVAC/AC? Contact us today.
https://energy.gov/energysaver/tips-air- conditioners
https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/10-ways- to-save- energy-when- ai-120022
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/12-air- conditioner-tips- beat-heat.htm