Eastman, Georgia residents look forward to September as it signifies that the hot weather is finally coming to an end. This time of the year, however, can present a lot of unpredictable weather. It can be nice and comfortable on one day with the next day bringing back memories of the summer heat. It is even more important during this time to make sure your HVAC system is performing efficiently and is being used properly. There are simple methods that can help with home cooling and which can help to increase the lifespan of your air conditioner.
Add Shade to Windows
Windows offer a number of options that can help to reduce the amount of heat in your home and therefore how much cooling is required from your air conditioner. Quick and inexpensive options include:
Look for Drafts or Leaks
Whether your home is old or new, it is very easy for windows and doors to develop drafts or leaks. These drafts or leaks can result from cracks or gaps that develop over time. This can reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner as it has to work harder to keep your home cool. Put an end to energy waste by sealing cracks and gaps with caulk or weatherstripping. Caulk and weatherstripping are very inexpensive and can make a lot of difference in preventing solar heat gain.
Reduce the Use of Water
Taking hot showers and using hot water when washing dishes and clothes will add to the heat and humidity in your home. Again, this increases your need for cooling, and can cause the air conditioner to cycle on more during these times because of the additional heat. As much as possible, try to reduce the use of hot water, especially during the day. This might not account for a significant amount of heat in your home, but whatever steps you can implement to reduce heat gain, will help. At any rate, limiting the use of hot water will help you to realize savings on your energy bill as well.
Clean and Maintain Your AC System
Routine maintenance is very important for improving the performance and durability of your system. Having a professional inspect your system at least once per year is very important, but there are simple things you can do as well to help your system to perform efficiently.
Changing or cleaning your system’s filter is very important. Your air filter traps pollutants such as pollen, dust, and dander that circulate throughout the indoor air and flow through the HVAC system. This helps to keep your indoor air clean, which is very important especially for those with respiratory problems. It also enhances system performance by enabling air to flow through the system freely. The filter, therefore plays a very important role, and it is important to set reminders to ensure it replaced or cleaned as needed.
These tips show that there are many simple and inexpensive strategies that you can implement to ensure that you stay comfortable no matter the weather. These measures, with some slight variations can also be applied in the cooler months. Overall, they will help to reduce reliance on your HVAC system, thereby giving it a break, increasing its efficiency, and enabling you to realize savings on your energy bill.
The experts at Pruett Air Conditioning can help you to find even more effective ways to save. From highly-efficient systems to knowledgeable and experienced service, we can provide affordable ways to ensure your HVAC system performs effectively. When you need help maintaining, repairing, upgrading or simply getting the best from your system, call us at 478-953-4986 in Warner Robins, or 478-374-1481 in Eastman, GA. Learn how a professional HVAC specialist can make your home comfortable throughout the year.
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