6 Cooling And Heating Tips For Summer

Summer is an exciting time to go on vacation, jump in the pool & bathe in the sun! Don’t let a high electric bill or costly air conditioning repair put a damper on your wallet & sunshiny summer! Use these 6 tips to ensure you & your home have the best Texas summer ever!

1. Invest In A Programmable Thermostat: Programmable thermostats allow you to control your air conditioning units even when you’re not home. You can match your thermostat to your schedule, adjust it depending on the weather, and set specific temperatures, and some will even let you set it for particular rooms. Using a programmable thermostat helps to prevent your air conditioning from working overtime & lower payments on your electric bill.
2. Don’t Forget About Your Air Filters: Standard 1” air filters should be replaced monthly to help your system perform more efficiently. Clogged or dirty air filters can restrict the airflow and lead to health problems. Your filters are designed to catch particles & debris in the air which can affect your breathing & overall health. If you suffer from chronic allergies or other lung-related issues, consider upgrading your filter to a media filter to increase the system’s ability to catch particles & allergens that may be making you sick. Daffan carries filers that even meet HEPA standards!
   You may need to clean or replace your filters more frequently if you have pets, like to leave the windows & doors open, or are a smoker. Once you’ve got a fresh air filter, your system won’t have any dust or dirt restricting the cool air from circulating throughout your home.
3. Protect Your Unit From Dirt And Debris: Dirty, clogged condenser coils will raise your energy bills, shorten the equipment lifespan, and increase the likelihood of repair. According to the US Department of Energy, “a dirty condenser coil can increase compressor energy consumption by 30%.” You want to make sure the area is clear and free from dirt and debris. If there are any plants, branches, or other items blocking the area or touching your air conditioner, you need to clear them away. Be sure you do not grow any shrubbery too close to the unit.
   You must make sure all leaves are removed completely away from the appliance, especially during the fall season. Do not wait until summer to clean leaves and other debris from your unit. This should be done year-round to prevent bigger headaches when it comes time to turn your air conditioning on. If you choose to wait until spring to clean everything away, material that has been collecting in the unit all year long may be stuck between different parts inside of the unit, making it difficult to thoroughly and completely clean. A good rule of thumb is to have an open space of around two feet surrounding your unit to avoid debris getting in.
4. Think Heat: Heat rises. During these summer months, the heat in your home will rise to the ceiling or the second floor. To help hot air make its way out of your home fans can be a great tool.
   Make sure your ceiling fans are set to rotate clockwise during the summer. This causes the air to flow downward, preventing excess heat from rising into the higher levels of your home and making your air conditioner pick up the slack. When the weather begins to cool off again, you can reverse your ceiling fan to spin in the opposite direction.
   Good air circulation helps your home maintain an even temperature, giving your air conditioning system a chance to work less and you a more comfortable home.
5. Utilize Window Treatments: If you have a lot of windows throughout your home, you may have noticed the heat radiating from the windows. This can cause the indoor temperature to rise significantly due to the sun penetrating through the glass. Your air conditioner then kicks into overdrive to combat the quick heat-up.
   One way to battle this is to invest in high-quality window treatments, such as blinds or drapes. Putting window coverings over larger, sun-exposed areas can help prevent the buildup of heat taking place in the summer months.
6. Reduce Heat from Other Appliances: Next, avoid using big appliances that generate heat throughout the day. If you’re cooking a large dinner, instead of using your oven, consider using an outside cooking source like your grill. Turning on the oven can add to the extra warmth of your home and create more work for your air conditioning unit.
   Throwing your laundry into the dryer can raise the temperature in your home as well. Try hanging your clothes outside to dry. Let the sun help you rather than hinder you. This option will also save energy & lower your utility bill.