Give Your AC a Break This Summer
 

Odds are likely that your family depends heavily on your air conditioner to keep cool during the summer. So, you may be wondering if there’s anything you can do to give your AC a break when it seems to be running nearly non-stop.



Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to prevent your air conditioner from running overtime and to help prevent it from facing premature wear and tear.



Adjust your thermostat.


It doesn’t make sense for your home to be set at a cool 72 degrees during the day if you and your family aren’t there. Instead, with a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the thermostat to a few degrees warmer during the day, and you can program it to adjust back down to the temperature you like for the time when you’re back home.



Check your attic’s insulation.


If you don’t have adequate insulating material in your attic space, the heat created from the sun’s hot rays beating down on the roof may make its way into your family’s living area, thus causing your AC to work extra hard to cool the air. If you discover that the attic is extremely warm, call in an insulating professional to check and see if you need to add more insulation or better ventilation.



Change your filter regularly.


If your filter is dirty, your air conditioner has to work harder to push cool air through it. This could make it difficult for cool air to reach all rooms and levels in your home. If you aren’t sure how often to change your filter, check your heating and cooling systems’ owner’s manuals for more information.



Check for air leaks.


Areas around window and door frames are notorious for air loss. This is where cool air from your air conditioner can easily escape, thus causing your system to work extra hard to cool your home.



Perform a visual inspection of the caulking and weather-stripping around the frames. If you notice any gaps, it may be time to add in more material. Not only will this prove to be beneficial during the summer when you’re trying to prevent cool air from getting out, but it’s also great during the winter for keeping warm air inside.



Keep landscaping trimmed and away.


Trim back any bushes or shrubs that are within two feet of your outdoor air conditioning unit. Branches and leaves could obstruct air flow to your system and cause it to work even harder to cool your home.



Keep up with annual maintenance.


Schedule a tune-up appointment each year with a cooling professional. Routine air conditioner maintenance could help prevent premature wear and tear on your system and help to keep it running efficiently all season long.



Schedule an energy audit.


If you’re wanting to find even more ways to cut down on your energy use this summer, consider scheduling an audit with a professional. Energy auditors can pinpoint areas of air loss and provide you with tips for having a more efficient home.