The official end of summer may almost be upon us, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have plenty of warm temperatures to still contend with—take last week for example! If that’s any indication of how we’re going to spend the remainder of August, then it’s important to be aware that our air conditioning systems still have plenty of work cut out for them.
Like many homeowners, you’re probably getting pretty tired of the high electrical bills you’ve been seeing this summer. Fortunately, there are some ways you can increase your home’s energy efficiency with your AC—most of them which don’t even require professional Layton, UT air conditioning services (but we’re here if you need them!—and cut down on your cooling costs for the remainder of summer.
- Change Your Air Filter: There are a number of homeowners who underestimate just how important this small AC component is. Your air filter is in place to protect the interior of your HVAC system from dirt, dust, and other debris—whereas many people mistakenly believe it’s there for their indoor air quality. That being said, the filter should be changed every 1 to 3 months during periods of use to avoid too much strain on the air conditioner.
- Beware Your Thermostat Settings: We get it: being outside when the temps are exceeding 90°F, even for just a few minutes, leads you to want to set your thermostat as low as possible. But here’s the thing—your air conditioner will not cool your home down any faster regardless of if you set it to 65°F or 75°F. In fact, even the most efficient systems struggle to reach a temperature that’s 20°F different than the outside temperature. Additionally, most people are comfortable around 78°F—and this setting will keep your air conditioner working more efficiently, thus saving you money.
- When It Is Time, Replace Your Aging Air Conditioner: Of course, this is a pretty drastic change, but sometimes a necessary one. While it will depend on a few factors, such as the manufacturer and what type of cooling system you have, most air conditioners are able to get through 10 to 15 years of useful life. This is also dependent on how well it’s maintained. Investing in professional maintenance should be a yearly occurrence—biannual if you have a heat pump.
Contact your HVAC and plumbing experts at Rentmeister Total Home Service today!