The sweltering days of summer can put a great deal of strain on your air conditioner. A unit that has to work too hard could end up breaking down. On the hottest days, certain areas of your home may not be as cool as others, or you may have to keep your thermostat set quite low to feel comfortable. Fortunately, you can take steps to make the most of your air conditioning and increase your comfort level. Follow these tips from Coffman & Company to discover how to give your air conditioner a break this summer. A few adjustments can make a world of difference.
Consider Outdoor Unit Placement
If you have an outdoor HVAC unit, be sure there is ample shade surrounding it. This can reduce the stress placed upon the unit during the hottest period of the day and reduce the need for an AC repair down the line. You’ll want to specifically shade the south and west sides of the unit for maximum results. A professional technician can offer guidance about the proper ways to add shade around your outdoor unit.
Allow Proper Air Flow
While shade is important, you’ll want to be sure nothing impedes the outdoor unit’s airflow. Trees, shrubs, or other barriers should be at least 24 inches from the HVAC unit to prevent the possibility of blocking the condenser. Regularly check during routine maintenance and clean the area around the unit. Limbs, leaves, and plant debris can prevent it from running efficiently.
Supplement With Indoor Fans
You can take many actions inside to take some of the pressure off your air conditioner and provide more consistent cooling throughout the home. Adding fans to your rooms can supplement the airflow your AC unit provides. Ceiling fans are great and can be an efficient way to move a higher volume of air. You’ll want the blades to turn in a counterclockwise direction in order to produce a cooling downdraft. Box and oscillating fans can also provide a cool breeze in rooms with low airflow. The increased cooling that the fans provide may even let you kick your thermostat up a bit, saving energy.
Implement Trial and Error
Speaking of thermostats, a bit of trial and error can better inform you of the proper temperature setting for your household’s comfort level. You may be surprised to discover you don’t need to keep it set as low as you think you do. Try setting it to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and experiment from there to find your sweet spot.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
If you don’t already have one, installing a programmable thermostat in your home can help your AC to run far more efficiently. The advantage of this type of device is that it allows you to set your thermostat at certain levels to maximize efficiency during different times of the day. For instance, you can program it a few degrees higher during the day if no one is home to enjoy the lower temperature. Then, choose to have it turned down shortly prior to your return. Some folks like to save energy at night when it cools down by programming the thermostat to a higher setting once everyone is asleep.
Close Blinds and Curtains
A simple accommodation you can make to cool things down indoors is to shut the curtains or blinds before the sun is at its peak. The sun’s powerful rays can dramatically increase a room’s temperature, so try this strategy to see if you notice a difference. You may find that your AC won’t have to kick on as often.
Check for Proper Insulation and Venting
Areas like attics can be real hot spots. Taking time to install adequate insulation and proper ventilation in these spaces will keep the excess heat from building up. While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to inspect your home for leaks around doors and windows to avoid letting chilled air outside and extra hot air inside.
Contact Us for Your AC Needs
The team at Coffman & Company is ready to help folks in Arvada and the Denver metro area stay cool and save on utility bills this summer. We provide AC repair, installation, and maintenance. We can also install AC mini-split systems to assist with keeping your home at a consistent and comfortable temperature when the weather heats up. In addition, our team members are experts in water heaters, indoor air quality solutions, and heating services. Get in touch with us today, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
