As temperatures rise in the summer, many homeowners are desperate to cool their houses without sending the energy bill through the roof. Follow these simple guidelines to help your central air conditioning system to run as efficiently as possible, keeping your house comfy and cool while using less energy.

Clean or Replace Air Filters

As air gets pushed through your HVAC system, the air filters in the vents filter out the dust, pollen, mold spores, and other debris so that the air you breathe is cleaner. Over time, this material accumulates, clogging the vent and making your air conditioning system work far harder to push the same amount of air through the filter. Additionally, air quality will begin to fall. Check your filters once a month, and clean or replace them as needed to keep your air clean and the AC running smoothly.

Place Your Thermostat Carefully

When you install your home’s thermostat, it should be fixed in a place that will not receive direct sunlight or near a stove, oven, or any other source of heat. Ensure no lights are placed close to the thermostat. All these factors can cause the thermostat to give a falsely high temperature reading, which will make the air conditioner continue to work to cool the house, even when the air has reached a comfortably cool temperature.

Keep an Eye on the HVAC Unit

Check on your HVAC unit regularly to check that there is no debris clogging the fan, and that the filters are in good condition. If possible, provide shade over the outdoor unit. A unit positioned in direct sunlight will be surrounded by hotter air, making it work harder and use more energy to cool the air. Keeping the air cooler by giving it some shade will keep your unit running more efficiently.

Find and Fix Any Air Leaks

Once the air has been cooled, you don’t want it escaping your home. Just like you would not keep the doors wide open on a hot day with the AC on full blast, you want the seals on doors and windows to be in good shape so you retain as much of the cooled air as possible. Perform a check at least once a year by walking around both the inside and outside of your home, looking for damaged caulk, cracked putty, or any light or visible gap beneath outside doors. With these little gaps repaired, your home will retain far more of the cooled air.

Bring in the Professionals

Every year, have your HVAC unit inspected and your air ducts professionally cleaned ensure that the system continues to function as it should, and you maintain better indoor air quality, healthier for everyone. Cleaning removes the dust, allergens, and other irritants that are being recirculated through your home. Clean air ducts also operate more efficiently, requiring less energy to move the same amount of air the same distance. Our team at COIT is here to help!