We’re in the throws of August, it’s what we wish for all year long…warm summer days filled with sunshine and a little bit more freedom and care-free living. These are also the days that we can easily regret wishing for because the sunshine we so love can make for some oppressively hot situations that can seem unending and debilitating. Don’t let the heat dampen your summer fun; let us at River View Heating & Cooling keep your air conditioner in perfect working order and offer some tips on how you can help at home. You should be enjoying the benefits and small graces of summer, not dreading your plans because of the heat!
Keeping your air-conditioner (AC) in great working condition will not only keep you and your family comfortable but it will save you money on energy costs! You will extend your AC’s lifespan, which will long-term save you money on high replacement costs. The best time to ensure your AC is at its peak efficiency is right before cooling season starts (early Spring), but there are ways you can continue to support your AC’s functioning during its peak performance season.
Generally, your Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning system (HVAC) consists of components that both heat and cool; a furnace, an air-conditioner, or in some cases, a heat pump. There will be system parts inside of your serviced area (evaporator and blower) and a coordinating exterior unit (condenser coil and compressor). Keeping both the interior and exterior units in top shape is important to keeping the entire unit functioning; focusing on one aspect of the unit while neglecting the other will only lead to long-term problems.
One of the best ways a homeowner can provide support to their exterior HVAC unit is to pay attention to debris around the unit cabinet. Surveying the area around your outside unit, consisting of condenser coils and a compressor, is a simple yet important step. Rake back leaves and debris outside the condenser. Cut back branches, bushes, shrubs, and other vegetation at least 2 feet in all directions. This ensures proper air flow around the unit.
Inside your home, you will find many other ways to help your AC unit keep your house cool and comfortable. If your thermostat is consistently kept at a mid-range normal temperature, your AC unit will likely work more efficiently. Try not to change the thermostat level too drastically in an attempt to get quick-cooling results. Instead, use ceiling fans to circulate air and be aware of windows and doors that allow the sun to penetrate and consider adding curtains or storm doors to prevent cool air from escaping.
Lastly, check the humidity in your home. Less humid areas are easier to cool. Consider purchasing a small, portable, dehumidifier from your local home goods store and letting it run in the most damp parts of your home. Your AC unit will have to work less strenuously to cool your house, and your general atmosphere will improve as well.
As always, there are other maintenance solutions- but many should be left to professionals. If your HVAC system needs more attention than the simple homeowner remedies we’ve offered above, it’s best to call your AC Service and Repair professionals River View Heating & Cooling. Trusting our industry professionals to handle your AC maintenance and repair is the safest and most efficient way to keep your HVAC system happy and you….cool! Contact us today for more information.
