Think your air conditioning unit is running as efficiently as possible? Whether you’ve got a brand new unit, or one that is a few years old, there are always steps you can take to improve your West Virginia home’s cooling system. Read our full list of air conditioning tips below.
Keep Your Unit Clean & Clear
Be sure to clean or change your air filter about once a month, and always use the proper size for your system. It is also important to keep your outside unit clear of debris to avoid blocking the airflow.
Upgrade Your Insulation
For homes built before 1985, it may be necessary to upgrade insulation to reduce cooling and heating costs and make your WV home more comfortable.
Check Your Thermostat
Cooling your home at 78º or warmer with the fan switch on “auto” can provide the best balance between comfort and savings. For extra savings, raise the thermostat to 82º when you’re not home.
Consider a Smart Home Thermostat
Speaking of checking your thermostat, you may want to look into getting a Smart Home thermostat. A Smart Home thermostat can be controlled via your mobile device – this way if you leave the house and forget to turn down your thermostat, you can do it with the push of a button. Also, a Smart Home thermostat lets you set schedules.
Lower Your AC at Night
One easy trick to keep your energy bill low is by turning down your thermostat at night. Generally speaking you don’t need to have your AC as high while sleeping as you do during the day. Many thermostats also have a “Sleep Mode” that will make it easier for you to keep your thermostat low.
Make Use of Ceiling Fans
Keep your home comfortable and reduce your A/C costs by installing energy-efficient ceiling fans to circulate the air. The average cost to run a fan is only $7 a month!
Maintain Airflow
Keep interior doors and vents open to help circulate the air.
Seal Cracks in Windows and Doors
Sealing small cracks and crevices (less than ¼ inch wide) between a window or door frame and the molding can save 10% of more on your heating and cooling bills and reduce your carbon emissions by hundreds of pounds a year.
Rearrange Your Furniture
Something as simple as rearranging your furniture can help with keeping your energy bills low. For instance, you may not realize that your furniture is blocking airflow, causing your AC unit to work harder than it needs to.
Close the Curtains
Closing the curtains can help keep the temperature low in your home. This means that your AC unit doesn’t have to work nearly as hard and your energy bills will be lower.
Install a Door Sweep
A simple plastic, self-adhesive door sweep blocks cold air from entering the home via the space between the door and the threshold and improves heating efficiency.
Consider Buying a Newer, More Efficient Heating and A/C Unit
If your system is over 10 years old, it may be time to purchase a new unit. For maximum operating efficiency and energy savings, ask Shenandoah Air Conditioning & Heating about options best-suited for your needs.
Make note of Heating and Cooling System Performance Issues
Keeping your heating and cooling systems in good working condition can head off costly problems. By calling for service as soon as you notice something’s not right, you can prevent the expense and inconvenience of a big repair job. You’ll also avoid the higher utility bills that typically accompany a poorly functioning system. You should have your heating and cooling systems checked when you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Decreased air flow from the registers
- Strange noises coming from the system
- Moldy odors coming from the ductwork when the system is running
- The air conditioner cycles on and off more frequently than it used to
- The breaker for the air conditioner in the electrical panel keeps tripping (or the fuse keeps blowing)
- Ice appears on your air conditioner or piping, either inside or outside the house
- Your outdoor fan in the air conditioner won’t come on
If you notice any of the above symptoms, or you’d like to get more AC tips for your West Virginia system, call Shenandoah Air Conditioning & Heating to have your systems checked and serviced.