The summer is here and it’s time to get the AC ready for some hot days. With that in mind, we want to share a few tips with you about how to optimize your air conditioner so that it produces the best results.
Test your Thermostat
There are two ways to find out what the temperature should be set at. The first is by checking your thermostat and making sure that it’s displaying the proper information or you can take a manual reading with an indoor/outdoor thermometer.
The best way to test your thermostat for accuracy is to see if it matches what the manual reading says. If it does, then you’re all set! But if not, then there might be an issue with your thermostat and a technician will need to come out to take care of it for you.
A thermometer can help make sure that your AC is at the right temperature inside as well by taking readings from the thermostat. If the thermometer says that it’s 78 degrees but your air conditioner is set at 75, then you should turn up the temperature to make sure everything is right.
Recommended Temperature
During the summer, it’s recommended that you keep your AC set at a steady 78 degrees for the most benefits.
The reason for this is because it’s the temperature that is most comfortable for your body and will keep you from sweating too much. It also minimizes energy consumption because even though air conditioning uses a lot of electricity, it won’t be as bad if the AC runs at 78 degrees instead of 80 or higher.
Well maintained A/C
Another reason for keeping the temperature at 78 degrees is that it will help keep your air conditioner in good working order. If you don’t know how to properly maintain an AC, make sure you contact a professional because they can teach you what needs to be done and why.
Good practices to keep your A/C well maintained are:
-Don’t forget to change the air conditioner’s coolant as needed.
-Clean the outdoor A/C unit with a garden hose and water. You’ll want to do this several times throughout the summer because of dust, leaves, pollen, and insects that accumulate on it. (You should also clean your coils as well).
-Clean or replace the evaporator coil at least once a year because it will accumulate dirt and grime as well.
-Replace your A/C’s air filter monthly, but make sure you clean it every one to two months in between changing them out
-Replace any old refrigerant that you have in your system. If you do not do this then your system will not be efficient.
-Make sure to tune up your A/C unit twice a year and have it inspected annually by an HVAC professional.
It’s also important not just to have an A/C unit running all the time to keep your home cool. Instead, you should use it when needed and make sure that there is good airflow in your home because that can help as well!
For more information on what you can do to ensure your home stays cool all summer long, give us a call!
As always, Coastal Home Services is here to help you stay comfortable in the most extreme temperatures! Follow this link for a complete list of the services we perform.
