Staying cool in the summer is the goal of most people this time of year. The sun is hot, the humidity is high, and you can feel like you’re wilting if you stay outside too long. When you go inside, you want a nice, cool house to relax and regain your composure. We’ve got the tips you need for beating the summer heat with your HVAC system.
Maintaining Your Air Conditioner
The best way to ensure your HVAC system is ready to battle the heat is with air conditioner maintenance. Maintenance in the spring before the cooling season ensures your system is ready for the hot weather. Not only will it make your system more effective in keeping your home cooler all summer; but it will also help you save money on your energy bills and avoid costly repairs. Here’s what’s on the typical cooling system maintenance checklist:
- Change the air filters
- Test and calibrate the thermostat
- Check electrical connections
- Inspect fan and belts
- Check blower motor
- Inspect and clean evaporator coils
- Clear condensate lines and drain
- Inspect the ducts
- Check refrigerant levels
- Lubricate moving parts
Managing the Humidity in Your Home
Nothing makes the heat feel hotter than humidity. Not only is it more uncomfortable, but humidity holds on to heat, making it so your AC must work harder to make your home comfortable. Your air conditioner can eliminate some of the humidity in your house, but it often needs a boost in the hottest months when there’s more moisture in the air. Adding a dehumidifier can help your HVAC system beat the summer heat. It pulls moisture out of the air, bringing down the relative humidity and making your air conditioner more effective. And while it doesn’t actively cool your home, it makes it feel cooler by removing some of what makes your home uncomfortable in the summer.
Making Smart Energy Choices While Keeping Your Cool
It’s tempting to crank the AC in the summer to beat the heat, but doing so without making any smart energy choices to go with it will lead to increasing energy use and higher utility bills. We’re happy to tell you that there are some ways to conquer the heat without breaking the bank. Here are our top picks:
- Upgrade your thermostat: Many thermostats are programmable, but the older models aren’t as efficient or effective as new smart technology. A smart thermostat has comprehensive and intuitive programming so you can adjust the temperature to suit your comfort preferences and your lifestyle.
- Change your air filter: In between bi-annual maintenance, it’s essential to change your air filter every 30-90 days to help your system run efficiently without it having to pull air through dirt and dust gathered on the filter over time.
- Turn on your ceiling fans: Like lowering the humidity in your home, turning on your ceiling fans helps your air conditioner be more effective without working harder. Ceiling fans create a cooling effect that reduces a room’s temperature in without using significantly more AC or energy.
For more ideas to help you tackle the heat this summer, contact the pros at H.H. Hovey Heating and Cooling.
