Summer comes with a lot of unforgettable thrills and fun for many people. From longer afternoons to the warmth of the blazing sun, summer provides the perfect cover for families and friends to unwind and bond.
However, summer is a period when you would have to deal with higher temperatures, and not many people can stand the heat for long. Sleeping, working, or exercising can become extremely discomforting for many, especially in hotter regions.
As a result, the use of air conditioners would make your summer more comfortable and enjoyable. Air conditioning has transformed how we live and work, but the comfort it delivers comes with a price.
With rising energy costs, you must educate yourself to save money while staying cool during summer. Here are some tips you can use to enjoy a comfortable summer.
1. Check the performance of your Air Conditioning System
Start by testing your air conditioning system before the onset of summer. Since it is likely you may not have used it in a while; you should check its performance to know if it is working fine.
Checking early helps you detect and resolve any problems right ahead of time before facing the blazing heat of summer.
2. Keep Air Filters Clean
Ensure you keep your air filters in good condition. With time, your central HVAC air system will become clogged with dirt and particles, making it less effective in lowering indoor temperature.
Keeping your filters clean allows air to pass through easily and improves indoor air quality. More so, keeping your air filter clean can also reduce your unit energy consumption by up to 10%.
If you have a permanent electrostatic filter in your HVAC unit, you should clean it every 30 days.
3. Plan an HVAC Tune-Up
Consider an HVAC tune-up in addition to checking your air filters for maintenance. Hire an HVAC technician to help diagnose and repair any defect before it degenerates into bigger problems.
Schedule maintenance with your HVAC technician at least once a year. Your technician should be able to address heating and cooling functions to ensure your HVAC unit is ready for optimal performance come summer.
4. Set up a programmable thermostat
While adding a programmable thermostat may cost you some bucks, it is worth it. By setting up a programmable thermostat, your air conditioning system could function more efficiently.
The device allows you to organize your home’s air conditioning operations. It does this by allowing the temperature to rise between 5-10 degrees while you are away and return to your desired temperature when you return.
5. Seal cracks and openings in doors and windows
Small gaps and cracks are as tiny as an inch and can let in as much air as a 2.4-inch diameter hole. Use air caulk to seal gaps to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.
You can try out the dollar bill test to know if the gaps in your walls are large enough to leak air into your homes.
6. Install drapes and blinds
Cover your windows with light-coloured curtains or metal blinds to keep the sun’s heat out of your home. Once the sun is reflected away from the interior of your home, your air conditioning unit will have less work to do, prolonging its useful life.
Conclusion
Keeping your home as comfortable as possible is crucial for an enjoyable summer. Following these tips would save you money and keep you cool all summer long while protecting your air conditioner.
