Once summer rolls around, people start to think of vacations, relaxation, and fun in the sun. Of course, during the summer people rely on their air conditioning systems to stay cool and comfortable, so their thoughts might also turn to those higher energy bills. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can make the most of your home’s air conditioning system, which can help you save energy as well.
One way you can easily help your air conditioning system perform at optimal levels is by making sure it gets the maintenance it needs yearly. Regular maintenance will help ensure your system is clean, all moving parts are in good working order, refrigerant levels are where they should be, and there are no foreseeable issues with your system. And, there are a few ways you as a homeowner can help your AC operate as efficiently as possible. Keep reading to learn more!
5 Ways to Save Energy While Keeping Cool This Summer
- Make sure your ceiling fans are rotating counterclockwise. This will help push air down and create a cool breeze throughout your home. It will also help your room’s temperature stay more consistent, so your air conditioning system won’t need to work so hard.
- Keep curtains drawn when the sun is at its highest. If you have a window that gets direct sunlight, you’ll probably want to keep the blinds or curtains drawn during peak sunlight hours. That’s because the heat of the sun can quickly warm up your home, forcing your AC to put in overtime – and use more energy.
- Check your air filter frequently. When your air conditioning system operating regularly, it’s important to make sure the air filter is clean and free of dirt, dust, or other debris that may collect there. You should change out a dirty, clogged filter right away, as this can cause your AC system to work much less efficiently, and can even reduce the quality of your indoor air.
- If you’re using window air conditioners, consider making the move to ductless. If your home (or a specific area in your home) lacks ductwork and you rely on window AC for cooling, you may want to consider making a switch to ductless air conditioning. Ductless systems often use 40 percent less energy to operate than a standard window unit, provide more effective cooling, and are significantly quieter and less obtrusive.
- Have an old thermostat? A programmable one can help you save. If your thermostat is on the nostalgic side, it might be time to switch it out with a more modern model. Most of today’s thermostats are programmable, so you can set them to automatically change temperatures in your home depending on when you are home, away, or sleeping. Or, opt for a smart thermostat that can work with your home automation system (Echo or Nest Hub, for instance) and even “learn” your family’s habits, so the temperature is always at an optimal, energy-saving level.
T.F. O’Brien is ready to help your home’s AC system operate at its best and most efficient.
You can count on T.F. O’Brien to help you stay cool and comfortable this summer. We can help you with any air conditioning need you may have, from maintenance and repair to installation of high-efficiency AC systems, including ductless. To learn more about how we can help you keep your home cool – and help your system operate as efficiently as possible – simply give us a call at (516) 488-1800 and we’ll be happy to schedule an appointment with you.