The harder you make your AC system work, the higher your electric bill—and the higher the chances you’ll suffer a breakdown on a sweltering hot Houston day.
So, at Dalton AC and Heating, we recommend babying your AC during the hottest months of the year, at least a little bit.
Here are seven tips for helping your AC cool your home with less strain, wear, and tear.
#1) Turn it Up
We know. On hot days, you want to set your AC to “Arctic” and banish the sunshine forever. We get it…our summers can be miserable.
But with a few adjustments, you can turn up your thermostat by 5 degrees without feeling any change in the temperature in your house.
Turn on your ceiling fans and run stand fans to circulate cold air more efficiently. Turn up your AC at night, when the temperature drops outside, and when you’re asleep. Turn it up a few degrees when you leave for the day so you’re not cooling an empty house.
All of these steps can give your AC a break while saving energy.
#2) Check Your Filters
Nothing strains your AC like having to run with a dirty air filter. A clogged air filter clogs and restricts your airflow. That means the AC has to blast more cold air to push past the dirt, straining your system.
Every AC has a different air filter schedule. Some have one-month filters, and some have six-month filters. Check the instructions on your filter and program a reminder on your phone. Air filters are out of sight, out of mind, so they can be very easy to forget.
#3) Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat
It’s a pain to remember to adjust the temperature on your AC every time you leave the house or go to bed. With a programmable thermostat, you don’t have to. The automatic temperature shifts really do help you save both time and money.
Plus, the big digital display reassures your family that your home really is 70 degrees, so they aren’t constantly fiddling with the dial because they feel a little too hot or a little too cold in the moment.
#4) Update Your Insulation
We aren’t insulation contractors, so we can’t do this for you. Nevertheless, we do recommend getting your insulation checked and replaced if it’s been a few decades.
Insulation helps to trap cold air in your home. If your insulation’s R-value is low, then it’s a bit akin to leaving your door wide open—the very thing that used to inspire your Dad to yell that he wasn’t paying to air condition outside.
Insulation is as “out of sight, out of mind” as air filters are, so schedule an inspection while you’re still thinking about it!
#5) Caulk and Seal
If air is escaping through small cracks in your windows and doors, then you are, again, paying to condition the air outside. You really do want to trap as much cold air inside as possible.
Caulk and seal your windows, check your weather stripping and look for any other gaps that might be allowing air to escape.
#6) Throw Some Shade
The right window shades can reduce solar heat by up to 45%. That’s a significant difference, and it means your AC may only have to do a little bit of work to get your home to the temperature you prefer.
You don’t even need to buy fancy shades. Good old-fashioned cloth, wooden, or vinyl blinds and curtains can get the job done just fine.
#7) Schedule Your Tuneup
Minor problems with your AC can cause major issues with energy efficiency. They can also turn into big, expensive problems over time.
If you haven’t already scheduled your annual AC tune-up, it’s time to call us. Replacing coolant, clearing coils, and tightening up loose mechanical bits can make a significant difference to your AC’s ability to function!
Need help with your AC?
Sometimes, ACs strain and break during the summer despite your best efforts.
If you live in Pearland, TX, and your AC is struggling, call us! We’ve been providing reliable, affordable AC services since 1972, and we can help you keep your home cold and comfortable through the hottest months of the year.
Call (832) 843-9930 today.
