1) COOL LONGER NOT FASTER
Though it may be tempting to crank that thermostat way down when returning home to a sweltering home on a hot summer day, don’t do it! The truth is that it doesn’t matter if you turn the thermostat down 5 or 30 degrees, your home will not cool any faster and you run the risk of leaving it on that lower setting longer than you need to, thereby increasing your energy costs.
2) KEEP YOUR COOL, THE SMART WAY
Raising the temperature up a few degrees when no one will be home for several hours is a good idea, however shutting your AC off completely is a mistake. While your AC runs, it decreases the humidity in your home, this in turn, controls excess moisture which can lead to mold. If you are on a fixed schedule, then investing in a programmable thermostat may make sense for you. Some can be controlled by Wi-Fi.
3) CHANGE THOSE AIR FILTERS
Changing air filters cannot be stressed enough. During heavy AC use the filter may need to be changed monthly. If your air filter is clogged, air will not flow freely through your HVAC system, causing your system to work harder and less efficiently and quite possibly stop working altogether.
4) USE FANS
Ceiling fans used in conjunction with you AC unit can allow you to set your AC temperature a few degrees higher at maybe 78 degrees. The breeze from the fan should make it feel as cool as you would be at 76 degrees with no fan. This could save you between 15% to 25 % on your energy bill.
5) CLEAN THE CONDENSER COILS
It is very important to remove all the dirt and debris from the condenser coils so that the condenser can do its job. Just make sure you shut the power to the condenser off. The coils can then be cleaned with a garden hose. Some people make the mistake of using a power washer. Don’t do that! You can call Auburn Heating if you are not comfortable doing this.
6) SCHEDULE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
There are some excellent affordable maintenance plans that will save you costly repairs in the long run. But remember even an annual inspection before the warm weather comes in can extend the life of your AC unit. Regular maintenance can help your unit run more efficiently saving you money on your energy bill making it a worthwhile investment. To learn about Auburn Heating’s annual maintenance agreement, check out our
Guardian Plan.