Summer is just around the corner, which means we’re back with some super important tips to help you stay cool at home or at work! Because let’s be honest, there’s nothing like chilling in a nice cool room on a super hot day.
Don’t turn your AC off when you leave your house
You may be under the impression that turning your AC off when you leave can help you save some money. However, shutting your air conditioning system off completely causes your unit to work harder once it’s turned on again to achieve the set temperature. Turning your AC off completely also increases humidity, which can create condensation and other moisture issues on particularly humid days. If you are looking for the best option for saving money and keeping your home cool, you should invest in a smart or programmable thermostat.
These thermostats allow you to regulate the temperature of your home while you are away while still giving your system and wallet a break. Simply set them to raise the ambient temperature during work and school hours and then lower it again for when you get home. You can also monitor your energy and system use on the go if saving money is a real concern.
Keep Windows and doors shut
When you leave your windows and doors open it allows the hot air in. This is because in thermodynamics “hot flows to cold”, or in this case the heat in the air outside will transfer into the less heated air inside. Allowing more hot, humid air into your home will also make more work for your HVAC unit, and it’s already got its work cut out for it. It’s also important to remember that keeping windows and doors open can allow for allergens and pollutants to easily enter your home depending on the season.
Keep your filters clean by changing them regularly
Dirty air filters mean less airflow, and that means your system is working much harder to cool your home than it should. By restricting airflow, less air is allowed to pass over the evaporator coil at any given time. That means that it takes longer for the system to work and that there is less heat for the coil to absorb, putting you at risk for a frozen coil. Dirty filters also stress your blower motor as it tries to pull air through at a higher than anticipated pressure.
Make sure your annual HVAC maintenance is done
A tech can make sure that vital components like evaporator and condenser coils are clean, and that everything is working as it should. This makes it easier for your AC unit to work more efficiently and effectively. AC Masters suggests having your HVAC unit checked twice a year. Remember, a little bit of maintenance can keep major repairs from happening down the road.
Don’t shut too many registers in your home
Your duct system is designed to move a set amount of air through at a specific pressure, which means those vent registers need to be open. Shutting them in unused rooms doesn’t reduce the amount of air conditioned air you create, it just means your system has to work harder to move the air passing through already. As we’ve said before, making your HVAC system work harder is the last thing we need in the hot, humid summer season.
These are just a few quick tips to help you stay cool this summer! In the event that your HVAC system is not functioning properly, don’t hesitate to give the experts at AC Masters a call. We’re dedicated to providing you with quality service so that you can find comfort in your home. If you need to schedule a seasonal service or a system repair give us a call (757) 898-2894