When you consider how hard your air conditioner works during the summer, you wouldn’t want to add undue strain on it. Too much AC strain increases wear and tear and reduces energy efficiency. Here are some tips to help you reduce the stress on your AC system.
Turn the Temperature Up
When you’re out of the house for the day or are traveling for a long period, it’s an excellent idea to set your thermostat to a higher temperature. Your AC system won’t have to work as hard to cool your home when you’re not around. As a result, you’ll reduce the stress on the system and your cooling costs.
Do you use a programmable thermostat and have a consistent schedule? You can set the thermostat to raise the temperature automatically when you’re usually away from home and then start cooling your home to your preferred temperature just before you return. With a smart thermostat, you can even use your phone to change the temperature setting when you’re away from home.
Replace the Air Filter Regularly
A dirty filter blocks airflow, straining your air conditioner by making it work much harder to produce cool air. An excessively dirty filter can even make your air conditioner shut off completely. Check your filter at least once a month and change it often to make it easier for your AC unit to cool your home.
Have Your System Inspected
The best way to minimize AC strain is by ensuring all parts are working as they should. You can achieve that by hiring an HVAC company to perform seasonal maintenance checks. When a professional finds anything amiss during a maintenance visit, he or she will inform you and fix the problem.
Make a Few Adjustments to Your Home
Several changes to your home can alleviate AC strain. These include:
- Putting in an attic fan
- Closing shades or blinds in the daytime to minimize solar gain
- Avoiding cooking, running the dishwasher, and hot showers, as well as other heat-generating activities, until the evening
Reducing AC strain will go a long way toward keeping your air conditioner working optimally through this summer and beyond. For reliable air-conditioning sales, repair, and maintenance in the Indianapolis area, contact Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing.
