It’s no secret that the summer months can be brutal when it comes to your air conditioning. Are you still trying to crack the code on keeping your air conditioning system running efficiently all summer long?

You don’t want to be caught in a wave of summer heat…have you inspected your home recently for ways you can greatly improve your AC performance? Most folks don’t even know where to start. The task may seem daunting, but there are plenty of DIY checks and procedures you do at home to make sure your house is prepared for any kind of weather.

While it’s great to stay cool, saving on your bill is where things get a lot cooler. Here at Air Care Systems, we have plenty of tips you can easily do at home to ensure you keep your house cool and your bills low.

Of course, if you feel like you need some extra help, don’t hesitate to give us a call so we can give you the premier service you deserve. We have the knowledge, skill, and passion to get your HVAC system running smoothly.

Our top recommendations:

• Check and Change Your Filters

This one may seem like a no-brainer. You’d be surprised, though! Not only will dirty filters cause your indoor air quality to suffer. Restricted air flow will cause your unit to need to work harder, ultimately increasing your monthly air bill. If you have family members with allergies, this becomes especially important as poor air quality could potentially worsen symptoms. Taking the extra time for what seems like a simple task can drastically improve the quality of the air in your home. Changing every other month will surely keep your AC system running at its best!

• Raise Your Thermostat

While it may seem counterintuitive, any time you’re out of the house, bump your thermostat up a few degrees. This allows the unit to have breaks in operation, only cooling your house during peak times or when you’re home. Letting your system run only when needed will surely bring those monthly bills down.

• Consider a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a great option for those who want consistency with their home cooling schedule. Simply program the times you’d like your house to be cooled, and let the system do the rest! Optimizing your thermostat to match your household routine will ensure your home is conditioned correctly, while saving money when you’re out of the house.

• Insulation and Weatherization

High quality insulation and high-quality AC go hand and hand. Ensuring any insulation throughout the home is up to standard will allow you to bump your thermostat up a few degrees while your house remains nice and cool. Also, check your doors and windowsills for any air loss. This can easily be fixed with store bought weather stripping.

• Check Your Ducts

Checking and testing your heat and cooling ducts is a sure-fire way to make sure you don’t lose any precious AC this summer. This can save you hundreds annually! Mastics, sheet metal screws, or metal and plastic banding works great. If you’re uncertain about how to service your ducts, our knowledgeable technicians can happily diagnose any issues for any kind of home air conditioning system.

• Close Your Curtains and Blinds

It may seem like another no-brainer here…but blocking the aggressive summer sun out of your home will drastically decrease unwanted heat being trapped in the house. Blackout curtains are a great option for those in sunny places looking for maximum blockage. Even keeping your blinds and curtains closed in rooms not being used will be a tremendous help. It’s the easiest way to beat the heat!

• Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are great for ensuring that you get the full benefit of your home air conditioning system. Using ceiling fans and other accessory fans will help keep air circulating throughout your house. Keeping a few running throughout the house will allow for maximum circulation. The two working together create quite a synergistic effect, maximizing cool temperatures!

• Keep Your Vents Unblocked and Open

It’s important to consider the positioning of all the vents in your home, as your HVAC system is designed with these positions in mind. These are based on the square footage of your home and there may only be a few. This is why it’s important to check for any blockage. Ensure that the furniture isn’t covering any floor vents. Look under rugs, as this is a common spot for blockage. Finally, make sure that each vent is in the open position for maximum air flow!

• Clean the Outdoor Condenser Unit

While most of what’s covered on the list considers the inside of your home, your outdoor unit has a role in maximizing efficiency! Keeping the condenser clean is not only optimal for the longevity of the unit but it also keeps the system performing at its best for the summer! First, disconnect any power running to the unit. Clean any external dirt and debris from the outside of the unit. From there, use a screwdriver to safely remove the grille covering the fan and thoroughly clean any dirt and debris on the inside of the system. Gently clean the fan blades with a damp cloth. You can use a hose with gentle pressure to spray out the condenser fins. When finished, carefully
reassemble the system. This can be a daunting task for some and should only be done if you feel confident in doing so. If you need some extra help, feel free to give us a call so that we can save you a costly mistake when servicing your own AC system.

• Schedule Maintenance with Air Care Systems

Ultimately, if you’re not sure where to get started when it comes to maximizing your AC system’s performance, it’s best to call a knowledgeable business. Scheduling routine maintenance for your system keeps it in prime condition year-round. This saves you money on your monthly bills, prevents future issues, and keeps your family safe 365 days a year. At Air Care Systems, our technicians are equipped with both the knowledge and experience to get your home air conditioning blowing ice cold this summer.

Need Help? Call 256-990-9015 or visit http://aircare.mwg.solutions for more information. And remember, Our Middle Name is CARE for a Reason!