When outdoor temperatures start to climb, homeowners turn to their air conditioning systems to keep their living spaces cool. An air conditioner that isn't running efficiently could end up costing you a lot of money during the hot summer months.
There are some simple things that you can do today to ensure that your air conditioner runs efficiently to keep your home cool and comfortable this summer.
1. Keep your thermostat clear
The thermostat inside your home plays a vital role in the efficiency of your air conditioning system. Air temperature inside your home is measured by the thermostat. When the temperature reading rises above the set temperature, the thermostat signals the air conditioner unit to produce cool air.
If you have a lamp, television, or other electronic device that might generate heat positioned near your thermostat, the thermostat might be affected by the excess heat. It will think your home is hotter than it actually is, forcing your AC to run unnecessarily. Move all furnishings and electronics away from your thermostat for increased AC efficiency.
2. Provide shade for your outdoor unit
Your air conditioner's compressor is located outside your home. This means that the compressor is exposed to the extreme heat of the summer sun throughout the day. A compressor that is out in the open will have to work harder to cool the warm air it draws in from the surrounding environment.
Temperatures in the shade can be much cooler. Adding an awning over your outdoor compressor will provide the shade needed to reduce the air temperature in the area immediately surrounding the compressor. Your AC won't have to bring the air temperature down as much before circulating it through your home when your compressor is in the shade.
3. Utilize your ceiling fans
The cool air that your air conditioning system pushes into your home can migrate upward and get trapped near the ceiling of your living spaces. Ceiling fans can be used to push this cool air downward, helping to lower the temperature and keeping your home feeling more comfortable.
Be sure that your ceiling fans are rotating in a counterclockwise direction so that air is pushed downward instead of being drawn up toward the ceiling. Circulating air with your ceiling fan relieves the pressure on your AC system, reducing cooling costs and maximizing the efficiency of your air conditioner during the hottest months of the year.
For more information, contact a company like Mauzy Heating, Air & Solar.
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