There Are Better Ways to Cool
In the heat of the summer, our air conditioners are constantly working hard to keep the home comfortable. While you may have been using an air conditioner for years, there may be some mistakes you’re making that add up when it comes time to pay the bills.
Read on to learn more about these mistakes and how to avoid them.
Not Changing Air Filters
Your air filters do so much for your HVAC system. They form a barrier which catches airborne particles and contaminants before they enter and circulate through your home. These include those nasty contaminants that make us cough and itch such as dust, pollen, dirt, mold spores, and smoke.
Stopping these particles from entering your home can cause the filter to fill up quickly, even more so if you’re a smoker (or live with one) or have pets. It is recommended that you change your filter once every 3 months to avoid HVAC problems.
Problems caused by a dirty or clogged filter could include:
- Dirty air ducts: Full air filters will cause the rest of your system to become dirty as well, further creating poor indoor air quality.
- Reduced air flow: A clogged air filter makes it harder for cooled air to pass through, resulting in a harder working machine that drives up energy costs.
- Inconsistent temperatures: A dirty system can mess with components and make it more difficult for the unit to cool your home consistently.
Neglecting Routine Maintenance
Every few thousand miles, you bring your car into the shop for an oil change. Just like your vehicle needs check-ups, so does your air conditioner. Even if it seems that nothing is wrong, it’s a good idea to have an inspection, tune-up, or preventative maintenance appointment with your residential or commercial HVAC technician twice a year to be safe.
At this appointment, your technician will not only clean and refill the unit with any coolants needed, they will also fix anything that could be wrong. Furthermore, by inspecting the unit, they can identify any underlying issues, or what could eventually become an issue, fixing it now to avoid costly breakdowns in the future.
Extreme Thermostat Behavior
You’d think that cranking the thermostat way down or way up would cause the system to work faster to achieve the right temperature — and many people do. However, your HVAC system only has one speed at which it can work, and setting an extreme temperature will only keep the AC on for longer, resulting in more energy waste.
Closing Vents
Another common misconception is that by closing vents to certain unused rooms, you’re saving energy. Closed vents will simply make your system work harder until the space has reached the desired temperature. Do yourself a favor and don’t waste energy this way!
Not Utilizing Additional Tools
Try using these items in conjunction with your air conditioner to maximize your energy efficiency.
Window Dressing
Your curtains can do a lot for your home on a hot day. By closing the drapes, your air conditioner won’t have to compete with the baking temperature of the sun streaming into your room and keep things nice and shady.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a great tool to use with your air conditioner in order to create a more comfortable room. Keep in mind that ceiling fans do not actually lower the temperature of the space. Instead, they create a cooling sensation on your skin, making you feel as though the temperature is cooler.
Our tip? Use the fan only when you’re in the room and raise the thermostat a few degrees to save on your energy bill!
Want to know more about how to maximize your AC usage? Give us a call at (760) 276-6690 or contact us online with your questions.