We hope that everyone is staying cool this summer! As the temperatures continue to rise, homeowners needs to take the necessary precautions to keep their homes cool.
One of the most important ways to do this is by using your air conditioner safely and effectively. In this blog post, we will give you seven of our top tips for doing just that.
1. Use Blinds or Curtains to Keep the Heat Out and the Cold In
You can keep block heat from the outdoors and keep your rooms nice and cool by using blinds or curtains. This will help your AC unit work less and save you money on your energy bill.
If you have a lot of windows in your home, it might be a good idea to invest in some blackout curtains or even professional window tinting. This will really help keep the heat out during the hottest months.
2. Keep Your AC Unit Clean and Free of Debris
One of the most important things you can do to ensure that your AC unit runs properly is to keep it clean and well-maintained. Debris and dirt can build up over time, making it difficult for your AC to function correctly. It’s a good idea to gently hose down your AC’s outdoor unit to remove dust, especially before the summer months.
3. Make Sure There is Enough Space Around Your Unit for Proper Airflow
Make sure there is enough space around your AC for the equipment to breathe. That means trimming back things like trees, bushes, and other plants. Also, don't install your outdoor AC unit too close to your house. You want at least a foot of space between the unit and anything else. This will help your AC work more efficiently and keep your energy bills down.
4. Replace Your Air Filter Every Month
Every month, you should change your air filter to keep your AC working well during the summer. A clogged air filter makes your air conditioning unit work harder and can lead to problems like high energy bills, frozen coils, overheating, and complete system breakdowns.
5. Set Your Thermostat to 78-Degrees or Higher
Setting your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher in the summer will help you save money on your energy bill. AC units run more often and use more energy when they are set to a lower temperature.
Smart thermostats can also help lower your energy usage and save you money. They do this by sensing when you're not home and adjusting your AC accordingly so you're not wasting energy.
6. Ensure Your Home is Well-Insulated
One of the most important things you can do to save money on your energy bill is to make sure your home has adequate air sealing and insulation. This means sealing any cracks or gaps in walls, doors, and windows. You can also add insulation to your attic and crawl spaces.
Making sure your home is well-insulated will help keep the heat out in the summer and the warmth in during the winter. This will help your HVAC system work less and reduce your energy costs.
7. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Your HVAC system is one of the most essential components of your home, so it’s important to keep it running smoothly. Schedule professional maintenance for your furnace and air conditioner at least once a year. This will help prevent major problems down the road and keep your energy bills low.
Why Wait? Call Pine State
If you need help with your home’s cooling system this summer, don't hesitate to reach out to the Pine State Services team at (207) 747-1210. We're always here to help!