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Throughout summer, who can live without their AC? It seems like everywhere we go, it needs to be turned on. From our house, to work to our homes, it’s fair to say that the cooling system is essential when temperatures start to rise. But all of the extra work your AC will be doing can put it at risk for failure.
This could include costly repairs or even emergency HVAC visits from your local contractor. If you’re like most property owners, you’re likely looking for ways to improve your HVAC’s condition and prevent it from breaking down. This blog post focuses on useful tips for your cooling system and how you can delay or prevent problems from occurring.
Prevention
Something that sticks out like a sore thumb when it comes to cooling systems is the need for maintenance. You may have shrugged off HVAC maintenance in the past, but we are here to tell you it can certainly benefit your home or business. Preventative maintenance will review the air conditioning system as a whole.
Maintenance includes major components and minor ones. From the condenser to the thermostat, technicians will make sure everything is in proper working order. But one of the greatest advantages to preventative maintenance is checking air filters and replacing them. If your air filter is too dirty or clogged, it can prevent cool air from circulating. It can also cause your electric bill to rise.
Invest in Smart Technology
If you haven’t done so already, now is a great time to consider a smart thermostat for your home. A smart thermostat has many wonderful qualities. Saving money is just one perk a family can enjoy. A smart thermostat can be controlled remotely from your mobile device or computer. The thermostat is connected to your Wi-Fi and accessible anytime you have an internet connection. A smart thermostat allows you to program in more ways than ever before.
Digital Trends mentions, “Depending on the specific model, smart thermostats can offer a plethora of cool features. Some thermostats, like the Nest Learning Thermostat, can learn your heating and cooling preferences and automatically adjust based on said learning. Many of the best smart thermostats have diagnostic features which can detect when there’s a problem with your ductwork or HVAC system.
Your smart thermostat may also be able to remind you of when it’s time to perform system maintenance, like when it’s time to change your air filter. Your thermostat may also be able to provide you with details regarding your energy consumption or even give you a reading on your indoor humidity levels.”
As you can see, a smart thermostat can be just the ticket to lowering your cooling bill AND making your home more comfortable. Thermostat installations are around $300 for the unit and the cost of professional installation. The more features a SMART device has the more expensive. Finding the right combination of features, cost, and energy efficiency can be done by talking to your HVAC technician.
Allow Your Fan To Help
Circulation is more important than you might think. Not only can it push cold air throughout your home to keep it more comfortable, but it will also allow you to use the AC less. Anytime you can relieve your cooling system of extra work can extend its life.
Maximize air circulation by keeping vents and registers unobstructed. Ensure furniture, curtains, or other objects are not blocking the airflow, as this can impede cooling efficiency. Additionally, consider using ceiling fans to promote better air circulation, allowing you to set the thermostat at a slightly higher temperature while still feeling comfortable.
Sealing Your Home
Sealing your home from heating and cooling loss is one of the best things you can do to keep cool air right where it belongs. Any crack or gap in your walls, foundation, attic, or crawlspace can contribute to air getting out. If you haven’t had your home checked for sealing issues, we highly recommend that you do. Even minor cracks or gaps can allow cool air to escape.
Insulation
Along with making sure your home is sealed properly, you’ll want to have insulation. That is, you’ll want to have enough insulation. There are a few products you could use, like blown-in insulation to cover your attic and crawlspaces. For new installations and to seal gaps around windows and doors, spray foam is a great choice. Next to the product choice, you’ll have to choose whether or not it allows moisture to escape. This is what is known as open and closed cell insulation.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Consider upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC equipment if your current system is outdated. Look for units with high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings, as they consume less energy while providing optimal cooling performance. Energy-efficient systems not only reduce your carbon footprint but also lead to long-term cost savings. JC Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning provides AC installation that can ensure each customer has the best fit to save them money and keep their homes cool.
Humidity Matters
Did you know that having excessive humidity can be a problem? Excessive humidity can make your indoor space feel uncomfortable, even with the air conditioning on. Use a dehumidifier to control humidity levels, ensuring a cool and dry environment. Lower humidity levels help your HVAC system operate more efficiently and improve overall comfort. If you’re concerned about humidity, have it checked out? Signs you have humidity issues include seeing mold, wallpaper peeling, bubbling in the drywall, or even clammy skin.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a number of ways to keep your home more comfortable no matter what the temperature is like outside. That includes it being triple digits. We recommend preventative maintenance with your local HVAC company for starters. This primes the AC for being more energy efficient and can prevent costly breakdowns. Upgrade your AC if it is over 15 years old and give you problems to one with a high SEER rating. Don’t overlook a thermostat upgrade, sealing and insulation, and a good dehumidifier.
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