So, summer arrived, and you find yourself occasionally retreating to the “great indoors” to cool off. It’s hard to imagine a summer without air conditioning, but it wasn’t that long ago that Willis Carrier (yes, that Carrier) discovered air became cooled when it passed over water-filled coils. Thank you, Mr. Carrier.
Air Conditioning Appreciation Days are July 3 to August 15. Here are a few great tips to help you celebrate Air Conditioning Appreciation Days by keeping your AC system running efficiently, which in turn, will keep you cool all summer long.
Service Your Air Conditioner
Invest in regular checkups and maintenance inspections for your air conditioner. It should to be treated well; after all, it’s doing some pretty important work for you! A professional inspection of your system will allow you to catch small problems before they become large, expensive ones. Your AC deserves this professional attention – and you deserve the cool retreat you crave during a heatwave.
Replace Your AC Filters Regularly
Having a clogged filter will only make your AC work harder. If your AC has to work harder to cool your home, it works less efficiently, runs longer, and costs you more money in energy bills. More importantly, if your AC is fighting to cool your home with clogged air filters, you are decreasing your AC’s life expectancy. This is one appliance you want to keep happy and around as long as possible. Change your AC filters every three months, or per the manufacturer’s suggestions.
How to Maintain Your Air Conditioner
Allow Your AC to “Chill Out” Once in Awhile
We all need a little R & R occasionally, right? If the temps are comfortable enough to do without your AC for the day, it’s time to give it a rest. If you find summer temps dipping into the 70s or even 80s, consider giving this major appliance the day off and opening the windows. This is a great time to get some fresh air into your house. Better yet, reducing your air conditioning consumption as much as comfortably possible will cut down on your energy costs. In short, keep your home’s temperature settings as warm as possible.
Don’t Create More Heat
Keeping your house as cool as possible during the summer is key to regulating your AC consumption, so use common sense when it comes to doing “hot” chores during the heat of the day. Do your baking at night during cooler hours, and cook dinner outdoors when possible. Also, run your clothes dryer in the evening. In other words, put in a little over time, so your AC doesn’t have to!
Keep Your Curtains Closed
Curtains and blinds are a great way to insulate your home. It’s basic – they keep the sun from coming through your windows and heating your home and keep your air conditioning indoors, where it belongs.
Plant Shade Tree
Yes, this is a more long-term solution, but it’s a solid one! Shade trees naturally reduce your home’s exposure to the sun. This is not an immediate solution to keeping your home cooler, but trees can be a great way to regulate your home’s temperature and reduce your reliance on your air conditioner.