It’s estimated that there are currently 1.6 billion air conditioning units in the world, and by 2050, that number will increase by 244 percent!
Those high demands mixed with rising global temperatures equals a higher expectation for your air conditioner.
Summer is an especially stressful time of year for an AC unit. Hot temperatures and extreme weather outside, mixed with high demands inside equals a recipe for an air conditioner repair if you’re not careful.
The key to longevity for an AC unit in the summer is to limit your overall energy use and to keep your home as cool as possible.
Here are our tips for having a high functioning air conditioner through the heat and unexpected brownouts of the summer.
Follow Through with Regular Maintenance
The best way to prepare your AC for a demanding summer is to take care of it year-round. Most manufacturers have central air maintenance check-lists available online. Preventative care will address problems before they happen and will keep your system running smoothly.
Common housekeeping includes clogged filters, blocked ducts and dirt build up that clogs air ducts. This narrows air pathways, forcing the machine to work harder to do its job. Other maintenance issues include failed fans, dirty condenser coils, faulty ductwork, and low refrigerant.
It’s not a good idea to start the summer season with any of these issues.
Duct and ductless air conditioner service can be done at home yourself, or you can have a HVAC professional perform an AC service and inspect your unit.
Cut Back on Energy Use
Everything in your home that relies on electricity to perform, is connected. Having multiple lights and appliances on while your air conditioner is running will put extra stress on the unit.
Reduce stress by minimizing the use of hot water and electricity in your home as much as possible. Simple changes like using only natural light during the day, putting outdoor lights on timers, and running the dishwasher at night when the air conditioner is off (or turned down) can help your AC run better.
Up Your Window Game
Windows play a big role in the temperature of your home, which directly impacts the amount of strain put on your air conditioner. One simple solution is to cover windows you aren’t using with window treatments made to block sunlight, or consider tinted windows.
You’ll also want to try to cover windows as much as you can during the hottest parts of the day, which typically fall between 10 AM – 4 PM.
If you’re blessed with a cool evening, take advantage and open the windows to let the natural air cool down your home.
Worn out windows can also leak air, which puts more pressure on your AC unit to work harder. Check the weather stripping around your window for wear, cracks, and holes. Replacing weather stripping is fairly easy, everything you need can be found at the hardware store.
Use Alternate Forms of Air Conditioning
As you’ve probably gathered from this article so far, the less you can use your AC unit in the summer — the better. Motionless air feels heavy and warm, improving circulation will instantly make a room feel cooler.
Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise to create a “wind chill” effect. This technique pulls hot air up and cools a room more than rotating fan blades clockwise.
Creating cross breezes, where the airways created by a fan intersect, can also improve the airflow in a home. Position standing and sitting fans so that the intersecting points of the airways meet over locations you relax at, like the couch and bed.
These simple techniques will allow you to set your thermostat at about five degrees higher than usual, without noticing a difference in room temperature.
Time Your Air Conditioner Use
There’s no need to leave the ac unit running at full power while you’re away at work and the kids are elsewhere. Some experts say that you should set your thermostat to 80 degrees or higher for weather that’s 90 degrees or more.
Even furry family members stuck at home will be OK if you follow the cooling techniques above and stick to this formula.
At night, turn the air system down, and take advantage of the cooler evening temperatures by opening windows and letting the air flow through the house.
Investing in a digital thermostat system can take the hassle out of changing your energy usage in the summer. You can easily program your home cooling system throughout the day.
Get A Professional Tune-Up
In order to get the most out of your AC system, an annual air conditioner check-up is necessary. Consistent air conditioning maintenance makes sure that each part of your unit works efficiently and will persist strongly through the summer and beyond.
An air conditioner inspection by certified technicians will detect any potential issues and fix them before they turn into expensive emergencies. Not to mention that servicing typically lowers energy bills, stopping many potential AC unit problems in their tracks.
Poor upkeep is one of the top reasons for AC failure.
Flotechs Plumbing & Heating offers thorough, reliable air conditioner repair and maintenance for homes and businesses across Westchester County.
The professional and courteous Flotechs team will inspect each of these elements and more of your entire air conditioner system. Preventative maintenance will help ward off these common problems and help you rest assured the unit will last for years to come. Schedule your central air conditioner maintenance appointment today and be prepared when sweltering summer days roll around.
