Jeez, Louise, it’s hot out there. Heat advisory days are putting a strain on air conditioners across Shawnee and Overland Park. How’s your AC holding up? Is it going to survive the dog days of summer? We’ve got a few weeks to go before cooler fall temperatures arrive (which means now is a good time to schedule your furnace maintenance appointment).
In the meantime, here are our HVAC experts’ best tips to keep your AC running strong for the rest of the summer.
First and foremost, if you haven’t already had AC service performed, it’s not too late. You’ll be one step ahead in preparing your AC for next summer. It’s especially important if your AC is having a hard time keeping your home cool right now. AC maintenance now, even this late in the summer, can save you from more expensive emergency repairs, or worse, your unit going out completely.
Use Your Windows to Your Advantage
From interior window coverings to exterior shades or awnings, your windows can help control your home’s comfort level. Of course, closing curtains, blinds and shades on windows exposed to the sun helps prevent your inside temperature from rising. Not all windows need to be shaded at all times. Just the ones that get the most sunlight throughout the day.
Want to increase your windows’ impact on energy efficiency and even lower your heating and cooling bills? Consider window coverings that have the highest R-values, like window films, window quilts and insulated cellular shades. Also, seal cracks and openings that are allowing hot air to enter your home. The same goes for your doors. Your parents were right. Don’t leave doors open unless you want to air-condition the neighborhood.
Efficiently Operate Your Thermostat
Smart thermostats are the best thing to happen to energy efficiency. It’s never been easier to set your thermostat to follow a schedule based on your lifestyle. Setting it to be warmer when you’re gone will improve efficiency and decrease utility costs. Of course, you’ll tend to want to program it to cool down before you usually return home. But, keep this in mind. Don’t set it to decrease the temperature right before you get home. That will cause your AC to run harder and drive up cooling costs. It’s better to program it to start cooling your home down earlier and gradually.
Don’t place your thermostat in direct sun or near appliances that give off heat. The heat causes a misreading of your home’s real temperature and causes your AC to kick on.
Use Ceiling and Ventilation Fans to Help Your AC Cool Your Home
Reduce your energy costs by using your ceiling fans to keep cool only when you’re in that room. Turn them off when you’re not. Leaving them on does nothing to cool your home overall. Turn on your bathroom ventilation fan when showering. Doing so helps pull the humidity out, and it’s the humidity that your AC combats to cool your home.
Change Your Air Filter
Check your HVAC’s air filter and change it if necessary. It’s easy to remember to change it when you turn on the AC for the season, but also keep an eye on it throughout summer.
Check the Area Around Your Air Conditioner Unit
Our HVAC techs have noticed problems with cottonwood wreaking havoc on AC units. The Cottonwood fibers, those snow-like balls that float, can travel through the system and clog up your air intake or attach to the condenser. Also, if you see vines using your AC as a trellis, clear them out. Need help with this? Our HVAC service techs are happy to come take care of it for you.
Consider Putting HVAC Maintenance on Autopilot
Envirotech Heating & Cooling offers homeowners an Energy Savings Agreement (ESA), our maintenance program. Not only does it put HVAC maintenance on autopilot, but you also get savings and perks, too.
- Priority scheduling
- 20% discount on diagnostic service and repairs
- 5% discount on equipment
- No overtime charges
- No hassle maintenance scheduling—we call you
Will you come out ahead with the ESA? Most customers do. We offer several levels to meet your needs and budget. Talk to our team, and we’ll figure out the best choice for you.
Already an ESA customer? We’ll be in touch or SCHEDULE YOUR SERVICE NOW.