Summer is almost here, and using your HVAC system efficiently will ensure that you lower your utility bills. During the hot months, your system will have increased cooling requirements, which can strain it if it’s not in perfect condition. Here are six tips for staying cool the most energy-efficient way in your Arcadia, AZ, home:
Remember That Sizing Matters
When determining the energy efficiency of your system, size plays an important role. An HVAC system that’s too small for your home’s cooling needs will strain to cool it. This leads to more energy consumption and cooling inconsistencies throughout your home.
On the other hand, if your air conditioner is bigger than your cooling requirements, you’ll end up wasting energy. A qualified service technician can help you determine the right size of HVAC equipment for your home. This will help you save on energy costs and lower your carbon footprint.
Replace Your Filters
When dirt, debris and other biological contaminants enter your indoor air, they can lower the efficiency of your HVAC system. They can restrict proper airflow throughout your home, meaning that your system will have to overwork to cool your home. You’ll also experience poor indoor air quality, leading to allergy attacks and reduced comfort.
Air filters help to trap these contaminants from entering your indoor air. If you fail to replace your indoor air regularly, they get dirty and ineffective. HVAC experts recommend replacing your air filters every month to improve your indoor air quality and reduce energy bills.
Air filters have MERV ratings that determine their effectiveness in trapping particulates. MERV value between 1-4 offer minimum efficiency and don’t remove many particulates from your indoor air. Filters with MERV value of between 5-8 are ideal for most homes and provide good filtration and higher efficiency.
Filters with a MERV rating of 10-12 are best for people with allergies. Although filters with a MERV rating of 10-16 are very effective in blocking viruses and VOCs, they can lower the efficiency of your system. They clog faster since they trap more particles and can reduce airflow in your home.
Check Your Vents
Your vents are essential in improving air circulation in your home. Closed air vents restrict proper airflow in your home and strain your system when cooling it.
One of the common misconceptions of using the vents is that closing them in unoccupied rooms will increase the energy efficiency of your system. This isn’t true as closing too many vents in your home will reduce the efficiency of your system.
Ensure that there are no obstructions to your air vents. Remove any furniture or bookshelves that may obstruct the air coming from the vents. This will improve the flow of air in your home and impact the efficiency of your air conditioner.
Install Dehumidifiers
The humidity level in your indoor air affects your air quality and efficiency of your system. When your indoor air is humid, it lowers the ability of your air conditioner to cool your home. You can correct this by installing a dehumidifier that reduces moisture in the air.
Reduce Heat-Producing Activities
You must refrain from activities that contribute to extra heat in your home. Using the dishwasher, oven or dryer will force your air conditioner to work overtime, leading to increased energy consumption. You can use the grill outdoors or wash your clothes during the night when the temperature is lower.
Bathroom and kitchen fans can help you keep cool after cooking or bathing. Ceiling fans are also a good way to keep cool, but only use them when there’s someone in the house. Fans help to increase airflow in your home, thus reducing the workload for your air conditioner.
Schedule Preventive AC Maintenance
Preventive AC maintenance helps to repair any issues with your system before they become bigger and more expensive. An HVAC service technician will check your entire system for any issues like clogged filters, dirty ducts, leaking refrigerants, loose components and more. This will increase the efficiency of your system and save you money.
REEis Air Conditioning provides professional HVAC services. We offer no-pressure estimates and guarantee your satisfaction. Contact us today for all your HVAC maintenance and installation services.
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