8 Ways to Optimize Your AC System for the Summer Season
Summer is on its way, and your AC system needs to be ready. When the hot air turns your home into an oven, “ready” might not be enough. You need your AC system to be perfectly optimized to battle every heat wave coming your way. Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to ensure your AC is in tip-top shape.
1. AC Tune-Ups
Getting a regular AC tune-up is one of the most important things you can do for your system. While it can be easy to forget, and the cost—however inexpensive—can feel like an annoyance, an AC tune-up provides several vital benefits.
Energy Efficiency
A regular AC tune-up ensures your AC system’s energy efficiency stays as high as possible. With high energy efficiency, you can save a significant amount of money over time by cutting down on your energy bills. Without tune-ups, your AC’s efficiency will plummet from year to year, and your energy bills will rise.
System Health
Tune-ups keep your AC system healthy and safe for use. They help prevent damage over time, and your HVAC technician can spot any concerning issues ahead of time so they can be addressed before becoming a problem. Plus, without proper cleaning, an AC system can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
2. Replace Air Filters Regularly
After AC tune-ups, air filters tend to be one of the most often forgotten maintenance steps. It is critical to the health of your system and the air you breathe that you regularly change your air filters. Over time, debris and particulates collect on your air filter. Given enough time, a dirty air filter will inhibit airflow throughout the system, and your AC will start to fail.
Importance of Clean Air Filters
Dust and debris will work their way into your AC, jamming up the moving parts and getting into your breathing air. Stocking up on air filters may seem like another bothersome task and cost, but keep these things in mind. A dirty air filter will make your system work harder, drop efficiency, and possibly damage your AC. Not replacing your filter will end up costing you far more than replacing it.
Replacement Frequency
Check your air filters monthly and replace them whenever necessary to ensure optimal performance and indoor air quality.
3. Air Purification
Since your AC is likely to be running all summer long, it’s important to make sure your breathing air is clean. While air filters will filter out particles in the air, they may not successfully address biological hazards. With a whole-house air purifier, like a UV air purifier or an ozone generator, you can kill bacteria, mold, viruses, and more before they hit your lungs.
Benefits of Air Purifiers
Air purifiers improve indoor air quality by eliminating harmful contaminants. This is especially beneficial for individuals with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues. By incorporating an air purifier into your HVAC system, you can ensure a healthier living environment for your family.
4. Get a New Thermostat
Many homeowners are using older thermostats for temperature control, and they’re doing themselves a disservice. Older or basic thermostats don’t have the functionality to manage the temperature in your home properly. In these cases, the AC system is probably either on or off, running inefficiently.
Programmable Thermostats
The best solution is to get a programmable thermostat and program it around your personal schedule. Take into account when you’re home most, when you’re out most, and when you’re sleeping. This quick tip will save you money on your energy bills this summer.
Optimal Thermostat Placement
Another plan is to place your thermostat in an optimal location in your home. If it’s located near a heat source or near a window where the sunlight can hit it, consider moving it. When your thermostat heats up, it will misread that your entire home is hotter than it is, forcing your system to run and waste energy.
5. Window Treatment
If you have a large home or a home with several windows, consider using window treatments. When the sun shines through a window, the air can heat up quickly, and your AC system will notice sooner or later. High-quality blinds or drapes that can effectively block sunlight will keep rooms cooler for longer, saving you money over time.
Benefits of Window Treatments
Window treatments help reduce the heat entering your home, allowing your AC system to work more efficiently. By preventing excess heat from entering, you can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without overburdening your AC.
6. Duct Cleaning
Ductwork gets dirty over time, slowly accumulating dust, dirt, and other contaminants and debris. Eventually, all of that dust and debris will obstruct airflow, forcing your system to work harder yet less effectively. To keep your ducts clean and unobstructed, you should get a cleaning every three to five years.
Importance of Clean Ducts
Clean ducts ensure that the air circulating in your home is free from dust and allergens. This not only improves indoor air quality but also enhances the efficiency of your AC system, reducing energy consumption and extending the lifespan of your HVAC equipment.
7. Ductless Mini Splits
Some homes have hot spots that the AC system can’t seem to reach effectively. This tends to be the case with older homes or recent additions, usually due to poor insulation. Instead of redesigning your ductwork or insulating or re-sealing your addition, you could invest in a ductless mini-split. These cooling systems are discrete and highly efficient, and you can install them just about anywhere in the home.
Advantages of Mini Splits
Ductless mini splits allow you to set different climates in different rooms, providing personalized comfort. They are ideal for homes with uneven cooling or heating needs and can be a cost-effective solution to address specific areas that are difficult to cool with a central AC system.
8. AC Repair or Replacement
Sometimes there’s something not quite right with your system, and further action is needed to get it back on track. If the malfunction is bad enough, and you and your family are uncomfortable, you might need an AC repair or even an AC replacement. If your AC system is blowing hot air, making strange sounds, producing unusual odors, or cannot seem to reduce humidity levels in the home, it might be time for a repair.
When to Consider Replacement
If your AC is significantly damaged, has low energy efficiency, or is about 10 to 15 years old, you should consider a new AC installation. Replacing an old, inefficient unit with a new, energy-efficient model can save you money on energy bills and provide more reliable cooling.
Contact A Quality HVAC and Plumbing Services LLC at 623-853-1482 Services for a new unit estimate. By taking these steps to optimize your AC system for the summer season, you can ensure that your home remains cool and comfortable even during the hottest days. Regular maintenance, proper system upgrades, and strategic changes in your home can significantly improve your AC’s performance and efficiency. A Quality HVAC and Plumbing Services LLC is here to help you with all your HVAC needs, ensuring you stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
