Due to the heat of the hot summer months, you’re likely looking for a way to keep your home nice and cool, while also keeping your cooling costs relatively low. This can be achieved by using your thermostat and air conditioner properly.
When outdoor temperatures rise above 92 degrees, be sure to keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature that you’re comfortable with. Changing the temperature on your thermostat while outdoor temperatures are that high can make it hard on your air conditioner to keep up with the change, placing additional stress on the unit.
If your home has a programmable thermostat, we recommend that you still keep the thermostat at a set temperature while temperatures are above 92 degrees outside. After the outdoor temperature drops back below 92 degrees, feel free to continue scheduling temperatures with your programmable thermostat.
Continue reading to learn more tips about how to improve your system’s efficiency.
Why Is This Important for Your Air Conditioner?
When temperatures rise above 92 degrees, your air conditioner needs to work hard in order to keep your home at the temperature that you’ve set on your thermostat. If you attempt to lower the temperature, it can be hard for your air conditioner to keep up with the change. This can place stress on your air conditioner and cause energy bills to rise, as your system will be running for longer periods of time in order to try and meet your temperature demands.
More Tips for Air Conditioning Efficiency
When summer temperatures rise, it can be difficult to keep your home comfortable without feeling as though your utility costs are soaring. Following some of the tips below can help your air conditioner run efficiently on even the hottest days of the year:
- Use a whole home dehumidifier to reduce excess indoor moisture and reduce your air conditioner’s workload.
- Schedule maintenance tune ups for your air conditioner each spring to ensure all components are in good shape and working efficiently before cooling season arrives.
- Change air filters as needed throughout the summer – more frequent changes may be needed this time of year due to higher usage of your HVAC system.
- Keep vents open throughout the house so your air conditioner works as it was designed to.
- Clean the outdoor condenser unit to remove debris and facilitate proper airflow through the unit.
- Seal leaking ductwork to prevent cooling loss and an unwanted increase in workload for your air conditioner.
- Turn on ceiling fans throughout the home. Doing so can make the rooms in your home feel up to 10 degrees cooler, allowing you to bump your home’s temperature up a few degrees.
- Keep curtains and blinds closed during daylight hours to limit solar heat gain which can raise indoor temperatures and force your air conditioner to work harder.
Thiele Can Help You Improve Your AC Efficiency Today
Protecting both your family and your air conditioner starts with finding the best temperature during the summer months. However, there are additional steps that you can take in order to stay safe and comfortable, while also helping your AC last for many years to come. For services to improve air conditioner performance at home and keep the cool air flowing all summer long, call Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning today.