Finally, the warm temperatures are upon us. If you haven’t already started running your air conditioner, there are a few things you may want to consider to ensure everything is working properly and efficiently. Here are some tips on how to get your AC ready for summer and how to help your AC cool your home.
Before You Run Your AC:
Maintain your air conditioner and furnace: Ensure your equipment is working efficiently by scheduling regular maintenance. Before the hot temperatures begin, schedule a maintenance checkup by an HVAC technician to rule out serious issues like leaks and damage. TIP: Many HVAC providers offer great maintenance plans, free assessments, and rebates.1
Remove your AC cover: You will need to remove the cover from the unit outside to ensure the fan and unit operate effectively.
Turn on the AC breaker & check the outside disconnect: For your AC to work, the breaker must be turned on and the outside disconnected should be checked and even tested.
Check your AC & furnace filters: Did you know that cooling and heating consume up to 50% of total home energy use? 1 Keeping your filters clean will prevent your unit from working harder to keep the home cool and recirculating dust back into your home. TIP: A good rule of thumb is to check your filters monthly to ensure they are not dirty with buildup.3
Help Your AC Cool Your Home:
Adjust your thermostat: Set the thermostat to a lower setting such as 78 degrees when you are at home and set it at a higher temperature such as 85 degrees when you are not at home. This will aid in annual energy savings. TIP: The larger the temperature variance is outside to inside your home, the harder your air conditioner will have to work. Your home will not cool faster with a very low set temperature. A smart thermostat can help save on heating and cooling costs by regulating heating and cooling when you're not at home. TIP: Ensure the thermostat is on the right wall away from windows to prevent it from thinking it is warmer in the room than it is.1
Consider a ceiling fan: A ceiling fan can help raise the thermostat to four degrees with air conditioning. TIP: Ceiling fans create a wind chill effect which helps cool people not necessarily rooms. Be sure to only use it when in the room.2
Close the blinds: On sunny days, heat will come through the windows which warm up the thermostat and you. Close your blinds to keep the sun out and to stop the cool air from escaping. TIP: If you open blinds for natural daylight, consider blinds or sun shades that allow light in but block the heat.