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Running your air conditioner all summer increases your energy use and monthly cooling bills in Commerce, MI. Let’s look at the practical ways you can maximize the efficiency of your home’s AC system this summer.
Change Your Air Filters Regularly
When you want to improve your air conditioner’s efficiency, you should change out its air filters regularly. Depending on the size of your AC and how often you use it, you may find it best to change its filters at least every two to three months.
Schedule Professional Tune-ups
Your air conditioner will also work more efficiently when you maintain it properly. A yearly tune-up is a good idea to keep parts in this system working normally.
AC maintenance also ensures your air conditioning system blows out cool and clean air and avoids freezing up because of a clogged condensate drain or low refrigerant. The best way to remember to schedule this tune-up is to sign up for our maintenance plan.
Clean the Vents
Clogged vents prevent your air conditioning system from working normally. Clogs made of dirt, dust and other debris impede airflow, making your home feel hotter and more humid than usual. Before the start of summer in Commerce, inspect and clean out your home’s vents.
Check the Thermostat
Check the thermostat before turning on your air conditioner for the summer. Set it to a temperature that is lower than the air temperature in your house.
If it is working normally, your AC should turn on promptly. If your AC does not turn on or the thermostat gives inaccurate air temperature readings, hire one of our technicians to recalibrate, repair or replace it.
Clean and Shade the Outdoor Unit
An outdoor unit covered in dirt, dust, grass clippings and other debris will compromise your air conditioner’s function. Sweep off the outdoor unit and use a hose to spray off dirt and dust. Keep the area around it clean and free from items like cardboard boxes.
Consider shading the outdoor unit as well. Shading it lowers the risk of it overheating. It also enhances the outdoor unit’s performance and helps your air conditioner work more efficiently.
Inspect and Clean the Coils
The coils in your air conditioner can become dirty quickly. Dirty coils contribute to the system freezing up and not blowing out cold air.
They also prevent moisture from draining out of the system normally. One of our technicians can inspect and clean the coils during your AC’s yearly maintenance.
Keep the Vents Open
Keep the vents to your air conditioner open during the summer. This tip prevents pressure buildup and allows your AC to function normally. Remember to remove boxes, furniture and other items from in front of the vents.
Seal Air Leaks Around the Doors and Windows
Openings around the doors and windows let in humidity and warm air during the summer. These elements make the inside of your home feel warm and muggy.
They also cause your air conditioning system to work harder, raising your monthly cooling bills. Use materials like caulk, weatherstripping and mastic tape to seal the openings.
Add Insulation
Add more insulation around the air ducts. Insulating this area keeps cool air inside your home and blocks warm air and humidity from entering. It also maximizes your AC’s efficiency because this system does not have to work as hard to keep your home at the set thermostat temperature.
Close Your Blinds and Curtains
Close the blinds and curtains in your home to help your air conditioner work more efficiently. Light and heat that come in through the windows force your AC to work harder and use more electricity. Blocking them with curtains and blinds allows you to keep the inside of your house cooler and also eases the burden on your cooling system.
Keep the Interior Doors Open
Some homeowners make the mistake of closing their interior doors, thinking this tactic keeps areas like the living room cooler. However, keeping the doors open allows air to circulate better throughout your house. Closing the door creates a pressure imbalance, forcing your AC to work harder to maintain an even interior temperature.
Change the Direction of Your Ceiling Fans
During the summer, change the direction of your ceiling fans. Run them in a counter-clockwise direction to push air downward and create a wind chill effect that keeps your house cooler. You should feel a strong breeze when you stand under the ceiling fans.
Use Oscillating and Box Fans
Additionally, use oscillating and box fans in your home to keep it cool during the season. Fans help circulate cool air from the AC. They also ease the burden on your cooling system and help keep the air temperature lower. Use fans in high-traffic areas like the living room and kitchen.
Avoid Using Heat-Generating Appliances
Some of the appliances in your home are detrimental to your air conditioner’s efficiency. For example, when you use your oven, the heat from it makes your home warmer, forcing your cooling system to work harder.
Likewise, when you run the dryer, it puts off heat that gets into your home’s air and causes your AC to continue cycling. Minimize the exertion on your air conditioner by using these appliances after sunset when it is cooler, or using alternatives like a microwave oven.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Upgrade to a smart thermostat for your home’s air conditioner. A smart thermostat comes with a mobile app that lets you control it remotely.
It also allows you to monitor your home’s energy use and create cooling schedules. For example, you can program the thermostat to keep your home slightly warmer during the day when you and your family are away and then cooler at night when you return.
Use Zoned Cooling
Zoned cooling gives you more control over your home’s comfort during the summer. It allows you to keep areas where you and your loved ones spend the most time cooler.
You also avoid cooling areas like spare bedrooms needlessly. It saves you money on your cooling expenses and also improves your AC’s energy efficiency. One of our technicians can install a mini-split air conditioner that creates zoned cooling in your home.
Replace an Old Air Conditioner
If your air conditioner is more than 15 to 20 years old, it could be time for you to replace it. Older systems do not work as efficiently as their new counterparts. Our technicians will install a new air conditioner that uses less energy and keeps your home reliably cool.
Learn More About Our Efficient AC Options
We provide products and services for leading air conditioning brands like Navien and Carrier. Our locally-owned heating and cooling business has won the Carrier President’s Award nine times. We also belong to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America and won the Angi Super Service Award in 2015.
Our experienced AC service team repairs, installs and maintains all brands and styles of air conditioners. Contact Matheson Heating, Air & Plumbing to learn more about our efficient AC services in Commerce.
