Coming off the back end of summer's hottest days can leave you a bit weak in the knees, but not because of the heat. Many homeowners have simply accepted high energy costs associated with maintaining cooler temperatures in their house, but it doesn't have to be that way. There are some simple ways to keep your central AC from turning on as often, or reducing the amount of work it has to do to maintain your desired temperature.
Cut Extra Heat
There are a lot of things in your house that contribute to the overall heat load that your AC is working against. Lights, appliances, electronics, and even uncovered windows can raise the temperature in your house, so reducing their impact can greatly reduce the amount of work your AC unit has to do. This might seem easy if you're not home during much of the day, but it persists beyond just the average 9 to 5 work day.
After a long, hot day, your air conditioner is still going to be working to cool your home, so avoid increasing that work load. You can start by simply turning on fewer lights, but replacing light bulbs with LED bulbs will provide long term results without leaving you in relative darkness. Make sure south and west facing windows have blinds or curtains too, to cut down on the amount of ambient heat coming in throughout the daylight hours.
Keep Up Essential AC Maintenance
A well-maintained air conditioning unit will operate at a lower cost than one that's been neglected, so do what you can to minimize the negative impacts on your system. Keep shrubs, debris and tall grass away from your exterior compressor, so the heat exchange process can remain unimpeded. Make sure any lines running between this unit and your forced air unit are insulated and are properly sealed where they enter your house.
As a whole system, your HVAC components should all be regularly serviced. Freon levels should be checked and internal components should be kept clean. This includes the fan motor, fan blades, and the inside of any ductwork. Finally, make sure you're replacing your air intake filter every 30 days, so that your system isn't having to fight against built-up debris caught in an old filter.
Just a few simple tasks can make a huge difference in the price you pay for cooling your home in the summer. Many of these are easy enough that you don't need a professional to help you, but if at any point you don't feel up to the task or you feel a more drastic measure is necessary, contact an HVAC contractor, like HomeSmart From Xcel Energy, to evaluate your system and make a recommendation.
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