Tips for Maximizing Your AC Without Breaking Your Budget
Here in the South, summer heat and humidity extend into September. With longer than average summers, we rely on our air conditioners longer than most. While the rest of the country seems to be cooling off, you may be wondering how best to manage the end of summer heat. Running your AC all the time isn’t always the best option as it drives up your utility costs. So, what can you do?
Keep reading for our top 3 tips for getting your air conditioning through to fall.
Tip #1: Keep an Eye on Your AC’s Efficiency
The key to getting effective, reliable cooling is to have an efficient system. The more efficient your system, the less it costs to run. So, how do you know if your system is running smoothly? Start by considering how long each cooling cycle lasts. Typically, when your AC kicks on, it only needs to bring the temperature in your home down a couple of degrees. If this takes an excessive amount of time, it may be a sign that your system is struggling.
For more tips on spotting AC inefficiencies, review our blog, “How to Tell If Your AC is Efficient (or Not).”
Tip #2: Support Your System with Creative Cooling Strategies
Your AC isn’t the only way to keep your home cool. While it may do the bulk of the heavy lifting, you can help reduce its cooling burden by utilizing fans, keeping your blinds closed during the hottest part of the day, and opening your windows at night when it cools down. These things can help keep your home cool, reduce the amount your AC needs to run, and help keep your utility costs down.
Other ways to support your AC:
- Change your air filters
- Make sure vents and registers are open
- Check that furniture isn’t blocking airflow
- Set your ceiling fans to turn counterclockwise
- Avoid cooking during the hottest part of the day
We also encourage people to assess whether they can turn their thermostats up a couple of degrees. When it’s hot outside, we are tempted to turn down the thermostat to 70°. Though this is a comfortable temperature for many, it can be difficult for the AC to reach and hold that temperature during a heatwave. Turning your thermostat up to 72°-74° can help save energy while keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.
Tip #3: Schedule AC Maintenance in September
After a long summer, you should have your HVAC system serviced to fix any repair issues and prep your system for the changing seasons. But why schedule service in September? As summer closes and we start seeing cooler temperatures, our AC specialists tend to have fewer repair calls to make. This means that, in September, you can get a service appointment when it is convenient for you.
During your annual maintenance appointment, our HVAC technicians will review your system and guide you on how to keep it running smoothly. We will also help you prepare for the coming winter when you switch from using your AC to your heater. Your general service appointment is also a good time to discuss any efficiency issues you may be having with our technician.
Need help transitioning your HVAC system from summer to fall? Call Premier Indoor Comfort Systems, LLC. Our heating and cooling experts are standing by.