8 Ways to Optimize Your AC System for the Summer Season
Summer is on its way, and your AC system needs to be ready. However, when the hot air works to turn 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 make sure your AC is in tip-top shape.
AC Tune-Ups
You may not realize it, but getting a regular AC tune-up is one of the most important things you can do for your system. It can be easy to forget, and the cost—however inexpensive—can feel like an annoyance that you’d much rather ignore than pay. However, an AC tune-up does several vital things for you.
First, getting a regular AC tune-up ensures your AC system’s energy efficiency stays as high as possible for as long 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.
Second, tune-ups keep your AC system healthy and safe for use. They will do a lot to prevent damage over time, and your HVAC technician will be able to 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.
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 will 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.
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.
Check your air filters monthly and replace them whenever necessary.
Air Purification
Since your AC is likely to be running all summer long, it’s important that you 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.
Get a New Thermostat
Right now, many homeowners around the country are using older thermostats for temperature control, and they’re doing themselves a disservice. Older thermostats 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. If it’s on, it’s probably been running for a very long time.
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 a pretty amount on your energy bills this summer.
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. The reason for that is, 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.
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.
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.
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, most 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. Plus, you can install them just about anywhere in the home.
Because mini splits allow you to set different climates in different rooms, you could easily add another zone to your system for increased comfort.
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.
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.
Contact A Quality HVAC and Plumbing Services LLC Services for a new unit estimate. With about 25 years of experience in the industry and professionals you can trust, you can look forward to honest, up-front pricing and the highest quality workmanship when you work with us.
