A Southern Summer isn’t on the top of the list for things most people enjoy… with temperatures skyrocketing in the last few weeks, your air conditioning has no doubt been your best friend/lifeline.
Keeping your home cool and comfortable all season long is much more intensive than just cranking your AC to as low as it will go. Just ask your electric bill…
We’ve been around at Absolute Heat and Air. We’ve seen last-minute breakdowns, the oldest Air Conditioners on the market still running, and everything in between.
In other words, we know air. We want to help you beat the heat, but we also want to keep your energy bills in check.
In this blog, we’ve put together our top tips for surviving the summer with a cool, efficient home.
Schedule Your A/C Tune-up Early
If you haven’t booked a tune-up yet, we suggest you do it now! As easy as it is to write off a tune-up, it saves so much money and time to have your machine running as efficiently as it can. Besides, it also means you have no chance to get caught lacking on the hottest days of summer.
When everyone’s AC goes out and they’re waiting for an HVAC Tech, you can lounge back in nice, frigid temperatures.
During tune-ups, we clean coils, inspect electrical components, and test your thermostat to make sure everything is working properly.
Keep Air Filters Clean, Replace Every 3 Months.
One of the most overlooked ways to ensure efficient HVAC systems is to swap out your filters every three months.
Dirty filters restrict airflow, making your system work hard to cool your home. This drives up costs while putting stress on your unit.
Clean filters also improve air quality: A must in a pollinated area. Not only does it trap pollen, but dust and pet dander, too!
Mind Your Thermostat Settings
It’s so easy to just crank the AC down to 45 when you’re sweating the second you step outside. Despite that, setting your thermostat at a moderate temperature, like around 72 degrees, is important.
Once you get comfortable after spending the day sweating it out, you’ll also see you saved a pretty penny!
This is also where programmable and smart thermostats are super useful. They adjust the temperature automatically based on your schedule, so you’re not cooling an empty house. It will kick on 30 minutes before you get home, so you don’t have to worry about waiting for it to get cool.
Fans, An AC’s Best Friend
Move over, peanut butter and jelly! Fans and HVAC units are the new inseparable duo. Ceiling, box, and oscillating fans are your secret weapon during hot months, circulating cool air and creating a breeze that makes you feel much cooler..
In other words, you can keep your thermostat higher, or even shut it off at times, without sacrificing comfort.
But remember to turn them off when you leave a room! Fans don’t cool spaces as well as they cool people, and running them unnecessarily wastes energy.
Keep Your Windows Covered
Have you ever touched a cat after it’s been sunbathing? Then you know how warm they can get!
Your home is no different. Using blinds, curtains, or window film to block sunlight can make a noticeable difference in air temperature.
Consider heavier drapes for south and west-facing windows where the sun is the strongest during the day.
Know When to Upgrade.
If your AC is over 10 years old, requires several repairs, or isn’t keeping up with the wear-and-tear that summer brings, it might be time to consider an upgrade.
Consider this: If you’ve kept your HVAC unit for a decade, the return on investment would be huge for the next one, too! Not to mention that there have been so many breakthroughs and cost-effective changes for modern systems.
They practically pay for themselves.
At Absolute Heat and Air, we’re happy to help you evaluate your current system and find a new unit that fits your home and budget.
Stay Absolutely Cool with Absolute
Summer will always bring the heat, but an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure!
Follow these tips to keep your AC running efficiently, your energy bills manageable, and your family comfortable all season long.
Need help getting your system summer-ready? Call Absolute Heat and Air for expert maintenance, repairs, or consultations. We’re here to keep you cool!
