How To Get the Most Out of Your AC This Summer
Air Conditioning Tips for NJ Homeowners
Summer is right around the corner, which means it’s about to get hot outside. If you want to keep your utility bills cool as a cucumber, we recommend adopting these strategies to help you keep your home cool without burning a hole in your wallet.
1. Schedule Maintenance
Scheduling maintenance early in the season ensures your AC’s components will be properly connected, lubricated, and cleaned. Keeping your system in good repair will improve efficiency and minimize the risk of a mid-summer failure.
It’s also a good time to speak with your air conditioning technician about our affordable maintenance plans, which provide priority service and discounts on repairs, help extend the life span of your system, and more. And, if you have an older system nearing the end of its life span, consider upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient system that will save you money over the long run.
2. Get Smart
Installing a smart thermostat will give you greater control over your comfort. It will let you adjust the temperature from wherever you are, whenever you want. That means you can reduce energy usage while you’re away and adjust the temperature when the forecast doesn’t match the weather that rolls into town.
3. Seal Your Home
It’s a good idea to check the seals around your windows, doors, masonry, etc. If you find gaps or cracks, seal them with the appropriate caulk or weatherstripping. Sealing leaks will help ensure that the treated air in your home doesn’t leak out and make your systems work harder than they have to.
4. Change Your Routine
Avoid cooking, baking, and running the dishwasher or washer/dryer during the hottest parts of the day. Reserve these chores for the evening, when temperatures are cooler, and you can open a window to prevent the heat from building up in your home.
5. Change Your Air Filters
Make sure you stay on top of changing your filters regularly. Depending on your filter, you should change it every one to three months. If you or someone in your home has allergies or breathing conditions, it’s advisable to change the filter more frequently, as this will help reduce the buildup of indoor air pollution caused by excess pollen, pet dander, etc.
6. Close the Curtains
You should keep any sunward-facing windows and curtains closed during the day. This will help reduce heat gain, which goes a long way toward keeping your home cool. You may also want to install thermal shades or window films designed to reflect the sun’s UV rays away from the window and back out into the atmosphere.
7. Shade the Condenser
Installing a privacy screen or foliage near the condenser will help keep the sun off it during the day. Keeping your condenser cool reduces the strain on the unit and allows it to perform more efficiently. Check your user manual to see how much clearance your specific unit needs.
8. Check Insulation Levels
Make sure the insulation in your walls and attic is adequate and isn’t compacted or compromised. Proper insulation will help ensure that heat doesn’t buildup in the home from June to September, especially during July when temperatures in the region can get scorching hot.
It’s our pleasure to help you keep your home cool this summer. Call Service Professionals at 908-272-9090 to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.