HVAC Tips for Summer
As the summer heat rises, your HVAC system works harder to keep your home cool and comfortable. However, there are several ways you can minimize the strain on your system and ensure it runs efficiently all season long. So how to do that, how to help your AC in the summer?
Here are seven summer HVAC tips to help you out.
1. Keep Doors and Windows Closed
Opening and closing doors frequently can have a significant impact on your HVAC system. Every time a door is opened, cool air escapes, and warm air enters, causing your air conditioner to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. This constant cycle increases the workload on your system, leading to higher energy bills and potential wear and tear.
- Tip: Try to limit the number of times doors are opened and closed, and remind family members to close doors quickly to keep cool air inside.
2. Seal Drafty Windows
Drafty windows allow cool air to escape and warm air to enter, much like frequently opening doors. This makes your HVAC system work overtime to cool your home, resulting in increased strain and energy consumption.
- Tip: Seal any gaps around windows with weatherstripping or caulk. Installing energy-efficient windows can also help keep the cool air in and the hot air out, reducing the strain on your HVAC system.
3. Change Your Air Filters Regularly
Dirty air filters restrict airflow, causing your HVAC system to work harder to circulate air throughout your home. This not only adds strain to the system but also reduces its efficiency and can lead to higher energy bills. Additionally, dirty filters can lower indoor air quality, leading to potential health issues.
- Tip:Check your air filters every month and replace them at least every three months, or more often if they appear dirty. This simple step can significantly reduce the strain on your HVAC system.
4. Check Your Ducts and Vents
Dirty ducts and vents can reduce the air flow in your home and the efficiency of your HVAC system.
- Tip: For optimal air flow, keep your vents wide open and consider having your ductwork professionally cleaned.
5. Minimize the Use of Heat Generating Appliances
When possible, try to minimize the use of appliances like your oven and clothes dryer as they put out a lot of heat that forces your system to work harder to keep your home cool.
- Tip: The weather and the day’s main menu item permitting, use your outdoor grill instead of the stove or oven in your kitchen, and consider using an inexpensive folding rack to dry at least some of your laundry outdoors.
6. Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to input specific thermostat settings for different times of the day, reducing the workload on your AC system when you're not home and lowering your electric bill. For example, you can set the thermostat to a higher temperature when you're at work and lower it before you return.
- Tip: Invest in a programmable thermostat and take advantage of its settings to optimize your HVAC system’s efficiency and reduce strain.
7. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance by a professional HVAC technician ensures your system is running efficiently and can catch potential issues before they become major problems. A well-maintained system runs more smoothly, reducing strain and extending its lifespan.
- Tip: Schedule a professional HVAC maintenance check by the professionals at Sullivan Super Service at least twice a year—once before the summer and once before the winter. This will keep your system in top shape and ready to handle the seasonal demands.
Sullivan Super Service - For All Your HVAC Services
By following these AC tips for summer, you can minimize the strain on your HVAC system during the hottest months of the year, ensuring it runs efficiently and lasts longer. Keeping doors and windows closed, sealing drafty windows, changing air filters regularly, checking ducts and vents, cooking and drying laundry outdoors, using a programmable thermostat, and scheduling regular maintenance are all simple yet effective ways to protect your HVAC system.
For top-quality cooling and heating services in the greater Fox Chapel area, contact Sullivan Super Service today. Our experienced team is dedicated to keeping your home comfortable and your HVAC system running smoothly.