June temperatures are heating up and homeowners across Oregon are turning to their air conditioners to stay cool. While your system is built to provide comfort even on the hottest days, running it continuously can put extra strain on it and lead to increased utility bills. Fortunately, there are some easy and effective ways to cool your home this summer without overworking it. Here’s how.
Use Ceiling Fans to Your Advantage
Ceiling fans can help circulate the air and create a significant cooling effect. Be sure your fan blades rotate counterclockwise in the sun to push cool air down.
Change Your Air Filters
Did you know that dirty or clogged air filters in your air conditioner can cause it to work harder than necessary? This can also lead to higher energy costs and can put additional wear and tear on the machine. We recommend changing or cleaning your AC air filters every other month, or every month if you have pets or smoke inside the home. The result is a more efficient, reliable system!
Keep Vents and Registers Uncovered and Open
Furniture, rugs, or curtains can hinder airflow, preventing cool air from circulating evenly. Make sure all your vents and registers are clear and unobstructed so your AC can do its job.
Minimize Sun Exposure
Keeping heat out is the key to a cool home! While natural sunlight is a great way to boost your mood and bolster productivity, too much of it can increase your indoor temperatures. Use blinds or curtains to keep sun from streaming in at the hottest times of the day. That way your air conditioner won’t need to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Seal Windows and Doors
That precious cool indoor air can leak through gaps in your windows or doors. Even the smallest leaks can make your cooling system work overtime. So, inspect your home for drafty windows, gaps around doors, or cracks in weather stripping. Seal those immediately to keep hot air outside and cool air in.
Avoid Using Hot Appliances
If possible, try not to use ovens, dryers, or other appliances that produce excess heat in the home. Cook outside on the grill, use a microwave or slow cooker to cook things with less heat, and run dryers in the cooler early morning hours or late evening.
Schedule Your AC Tuneup
Routine maintenance is crucial for keeping your system running at peak performance. Annual tuneups will identify potential problem spots before they turn into large issues that could be expensive and inconvenient. Our experienced team of licensed technicians will inspect internal components, run an energy efficiency check, clean coils, and more. If we notice anything that could pose a threat to your machine’s functionality, we’ll talk to you about it and get things fixed as soon as possible. Just like regular oil changes for your car or checkups at your doctor, professional maintenance on your cooling system will help extend its lifespan.
Looking to schedule your tune up or get a quote for a new cooling system this season? Let our team at Specialty Heating and Cooling help! We’re committed to helping you stay comfortable all summer long.