How AC Maintenance and Quick Fixes Save You Cash

The Budget-Friendly Guide to AC Maintenance and Home Cooling

The seasons change so quickly. A few weeks ago, we were complaining about the cold, and now we are preparing for the long cooling season of Spring and Summer. Here are six easy things to do to prepare and save money on your cooling season energy bills.

Make Sure Your AC is Serviced. You’ve heard the phrase, “a well-oiled machine.” Routine AC maintenance ensures that the complex system and hardworking components are cleaned, tested, and ready for everything the heat and humidity are about to throw your way. The condenser unit will be cleaned, the refrigerant will be gauged, the electronics tested, and the thermostat evaluated to make certain the whole system works properly.
Keep the Cool Inside and the Heat Outside. To separate the outside temperature from the inside temperature, builders installed a thermal barrier in every portion of the building’s envelope. These thermal barriers are given a rating, called R-Value. It is a measure of the resistance of heat transfer through a substance, in this case, walls, attics, windows, and doors. Improving insulation in a finished wall is difficult, except during renovation or remodeling. However, attics can often be observed. The insulation in attics should be ten to twelve inches deep, with an R-Value of 30 to 38. Increasing insulation in the attic will reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the ceiling.
Window Care. In comparison to walls and ceilings, windows offer very little resistance to heat transfer. Single-pane windows have an R-Value of 1 or less, while well-insulated windows may have an R-Value of 2-5. Anything done to reduce heat transfer through windows will have an immediate effect on the comfort of the home and the efficiency of the air conditioning system. Consider good drapes or blinds to block sunlight (a source of solar gain), and close them strategically, from 10 am to 7 pm (longer during extreme heat).
Use Appliances Well. Recognize which appliances create a great deal of heat (dishwashers, stoves/ovens, washing machines and dryers, and water heaters) and use them during off-peak hours. Electricity costs more during the heat of the day, so energy savings can be realized by waiting for evening or early morning hours. Reducing the thermostat of the water heater is possible. The heat produced by these appliances is best reserved for evening hours, rather than contributing to the daytime heat. Of course, these changes must be intentionally added to the family’s schedule.
Reverse the Ceiling Fan Direction. Use ceiling fans during the summertime. Moving the air does not change the temperature of the air, but moving air does feel cooler on the skin, so use this to your advantage. Direction also makes a difference. A counterclockwise rotation pulls cool air up to the ceiling and pushes it out to the far reaches of the room, and a clockwise rotation pushes warm air from the ceiling down to the entire room. A black button at the base of the fan will change direction. This small change makes a difference in the comfort of the home, not the temperature.
Program the Thermostat. Most modern thermostats are either programmable or have Smart technology. This means that temperature changes can be scheduled regularly and automatically. A good practice is to raise the temperature (reduce energy costs) overnight, while everyone is asleep, and during the day, while family members are out of the house (schedules vary with each family). A temperature change of 10 degrees for 8 hours can reduce the cost of air conditioning by ten percent.

Don’t Wait for the Heatwave to Schedule Your AC Maintenance

Ensure your home stays a cool sanctuary all summer long by scheduling your professional AC maintenance today. The All Cool AC & Heating expert technicians will clean, test, and tune your system to prevent costly breakdowns and maximize your energy savings. Call us now to book your AC maintenance appointment and enjoy total peace of mind before the temperature rises!