Summer is officially here! After a long winter, we’re all looking forward to enjoying the warmth and sunshine.
As temperatures rise, however, your air conditioner will work harder to keep your home cool and comfortable. This can lead to increased energy consumption and higher electricity bills. Fortunately, you can take action to alleviate stress on your AC this season.
Keep reading to learn five simple ways that homeowners can reduce the strain on their HVAC system during the summer!
How to Reduce AC Strain
1. Choose the Right Temperature
Most people prefer setting their AC to a lower temperature to cool their surroundings quickly. But did you know that setting the thermostat lower than necessary only increases the pressure on your air conditioner?
Instead of setting it to the lowest possible temperature, choose the optimal temperature based on your personal schedule. Set the temperature between 75 – 78 degrees when no one is home, then back down to 68 – 72 when your family is home or sleeping. This helps reduce strain on your AC while saving energy. A programmable thermostat adjusts temperatures automatically throughout the day. Consider installing one for even lower utility bills.
2. Keep Vents Open
Another way to ensure your AC runs at peak performance is to keep your vents open. It’s tempting to close them to drive airflow from one area of your house to another. However, your HVAC system is calibrated to circulate air throughout your entire home. When vents are closed or blocked, the air flow is restricted, forcing your AC to work harder to cool each room. Keeping vents open and allowing for proper air flow helps your system run efficiently and avoid unnecessary breakdowns.
3. Seal Your Ductwork
Leaky ductwork causes significant strain on your HVAC system. It can also pull in dust, mold, debris, and other airborne pollutants that circulate in your home. Sealing your ductwork with Aeroseal reduces air leakage in your system by up to 90%. This helps optimize your equipment, balance humidity, and maintain healthier indoor air quality.
4. Replace Your Filters
A dirty or clogged filter makes it more challenging for your air conditioning system to circulate air. To avoid this, replace your filters on a regular basis. How often you clean or replace your filters will depend on your usage and lifestyle. A good rule of thumb is to change it every one to three months.
5. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Finally, to reduce the strain on your air conditioner, it’s essential to service it regularly. A professional service technician will inspect and clean the unit, change filters if necessary, and identify any issues before they turn into costly repairs. The lifespan of an air conditioner can be significantly extended through regular inspections.
Haven’t scheduled AC maintenance yet this year? No sweat! Contact our team at Bears Home Solutions to schedule an appointment!
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