AC Tips for a Hot Summer in San Antonio
Summertime is here! And while we love the warm weather, it can be hard to enjoy it without worrying about keeping our homes comfortable. Luckily, there are some easy tips to follow to ensure that your air conditioning runs smoothly throughout the summer months.
Air Conditioning Tips To Stay Cool in the Summer In San Antonio, TX.
These recommendations can help you maintain your A/C unit so you can relax in a cool home after outdoor activities.
Keep your air conditioning system clean and well maintained.
If you have an older air conditioner, it may need replacing sooner than later. If you notice that your AC isn’t cooling as efficiently as it used to or if it seems like it needs more energy to run, then this could mean that you need to get a new one. It’s always best to call a professional to do the job because they will know what equipment you have and how to fix it.
The average lifespan for a central air conditioning system is about 15 years. The first five years are considered the “prime time” in which the unit should be performing at its peak efficiency. After that, there is no reason why you shouldn’t expect your unit to last another 10-15 years.
Make sure the vents are open when using your air conditioning.
When using your air conditioning, make sure all the vents are open. This will allow fresh air to circulate through your house and keep things cooler. If any of the vents aren’t open, then hot air will build up inside the house and cause problems with your air conditioning.
Change the filter every month.
Check your filters regularly. They should be changed at least once per month. If they are dirty, you won’t be able to use them effectively. Dirty filters cause your air conditioner to work harder, which means you will pay more money on electricity bills. Also, dirty filters can cause mold growth, making your home smell terrible.
Bonus Tip: Use quality AC Filters based on your needs. We carry many different filters, including HEPA filters, Carbon Dioxide filters, and even UV light filters. These filters are designed to improve indoor air quality and reduce allergens.
Check the thermostat settings.
Make sure that the temperature setting is set correctly. This will ensure that your house stays comfortable during hot days. The thermostat should be set between 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a programmable thermostat, check its programming and adjust accordingly.
Clean the condenser coils
The condenser coil is located outside of your home, where the air flows through it. Make sure that you clean the condenser coils regularly. This will keep your air conditioner running smoothly.
Make sure there aren’t air leaks around windows or doors.
Air leaks around windows and doors can lead to heat loss. It would help if you sealed all cracks and gaps around windows and doors to prevent this from happening. You can use caulk for this purpose. It is also essential to regularly replace the weather-stripping on your doors and windows. Also, make sure that your garage door opens and closes properly so that it doesn’t let in cold air.
Avoid frequent door and window openings.
When you frequently open and close doors and windows, you will lose more energy. Try to minimize these openings so you don’t waste any energy. Also, try to avoid opening windows when it gets scorching out. Instead, open them only when necessary.
Turn off lights when not in use.
If you are not using the room that has a light on, turn it off. This will save energy since there is no need for the bulb to be burning all the time.
Use ceiling fans
Using ceiling fans can help circulate air throughout your home. Fans are great when you want to cool down quickly.
Bonus Tip: Make sure that your ceiling fans are rotating clockwise. This will help circulate the air and keep the air moving.
Install an attic fan
An attic fan helps to move hot air out of your attic. An attic fan usually sits near the top of your roof. Attic fans are very effective because they circulate air throughout the entire space.
Install a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature according to your schedule. If you want to save some money on your electric bill, try using a programmable thermostat. Also, if you live in a place with high humidity, consider installing dehumidifiers.
Be sure to change the refrigerant every three years.
It would be best if you replaced the refrigerant every three years. Refrigerants are chemicals that are found inside your air conditioner. When they become old, they start breaking down and causing problems with your air conditioner. Also, you should check the level of Freon in your system. Call Air Speed Heating & Cooling at (210) 320-5137 to determine how much Freon you need through our air conditioning maintenance services.
Tun up the temperature when you are away
Turning off the air conditioner while you leave the house can save up to 20% on your electric bill. When you come back home, flip the switch back on.
There’s been debate over whether it’s more economical to keep your air conditioner at a constant temperature all day long or to set it to an elevated setting while you’re not home. The answer depends on how often you use your air conditioning. You’ll save the most money by maintaining a consistent temperature while at home but letting your system cool down when you’re away.
According to the US Department of Energy, when you’re at home, set your thermostat at 78°F, and turn it up several degrees higher when the house is vacant. If you have trouble remembering to adjust your thermostat every time you leave and return, consider investing in a programmed thermostat that adjusts itself based on the times and settings you choose.
Use an air purifier or dehumidifier to remove dust particles and odors that could cause mold growth.
An air purifier or dehumidifier can help reduce allergens in your home. Dust mites thrive in humid environments. An air purifier can help eliminate these pests by removing moisture from the air.
You can find air purifiers and dehumidifiers at most stores.
You can also buy them online.
Make sure there is no debris around the outdoor AC unit.
Airflow is blocked by debris, plants, tall grass, and weeds. Keeping the surrounding area neat ensures that nothing interferes with airflow. This prevents the air conditioning unit from functioning correctly.
Remove any clutter near the air conditioner.
Clutter can block airflow. Keep your living room free of items that might interfere with airflow. Remove any furniture that blocks the flow of air.
Inspect and clean vents regularly.
Vents are usually covered with screens. These screens may get clogged over time. Clean the vents regularly to avoid running your air conditioner all day long.
Keep the garage door shut during the summer.
If you have a garage, make sure that you keep the garage door shut during hot weather. Garage doors are notorious for letting out warm air into the house.
Window tints or films are an excellent investment to keep your home cool in the summer.
Tinted windows block sunlight and allow cooler air to enter your home. They can be installed quickly and will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Have your AC unit inspected to make sure it does not need replacement
Your air conditioner needs regular maintenance to ensure its efficiency. You should call Air Speed Heating and Cooling at (210)320-5137 to have your air conditioner checked. We can inspect the unit and make recommendations about what needs to be done.
If your home requires a new HVAC system, it may be time to upgrade. A new system can help save energy and lower utility costs over the long term. However, there are many factors to consider when choosing a new system. Here are some tips to help you choose the right system for your home:
Consider the size of your home. How much square footage does your home have? That information will help determine whether you need a split-system air conditioner or a whole-house air conditioner.
How old is your current system? Do you need to replace your entire system or just parts of it? Older systems tend to cost less, but they don’t perform nearly as well as newer models.
How often do you use your air conditioning? If you rarely use it, you probably don’t need a whole-home system. On the other hand, if you live in a hot climate like South Texas, you might consider installing a whole-home air conditioner.
What kind of lifestyle do you lead? Are you a homeowner who spends most of their time indoors, or do you spend lots of time outside? If you spend most of your time outdoors, you might want a whole-house air conditioning system.
Do you have pets? If so, you might want to look into getting a pet-friendly air conditioning system. These units usually come equipped with unique features designed to protect animals from overheating.
Do you have kids? It would help if you thought about getting a child-safe air conditioning system. These systems are built to prevent children from being injured by running around while the system is operating.
Are you considering adding a pool? If so, you may want to install a pool cooling system. These systems are specifically designed to cool down pools and spas.
Are you planning to add a room to your home? You may want to consider installing a heat pump. Heat pumps are great because they can also provide heating and cooling.
You should always check with your local HVAC dealer before making any decisions regarding a new system. It’s essential to find out what options are available to you and how they will affect your budget.
AC Tips for a Hot Summer in San Antonio, TX
In Summary:
Air Conditioners are one of the best ways to keep your house comfortable during hot summer days. But, like anything else, they require proper care and maintenance. Call us today at (210) 320-5137 to schedule an appointment and learn more about our air conditioning services in San Antonio!
