Summer Is Here, and Here’s How to Keep a Home Comfortable
The joys of summer are many. Outdoor activities abound, and kids and teachers are free from the shackles of the school year. Summer also has its downsides, especially regarding the energy required to keep a home at a comfortable temperature. The beauty of the Bay may not seem as pleasant if there is no efficient air conditioner to cool the house when a person returns to it. Here are a few tips for keeping a home’s air conditioning running smoothly through the hottest time of the year.
Keep Calm and Get Regular AC Maintenance
Just like an automobile needs a regular oil change and tire rotations to function properly, a home’s AC unit needs regular air conditioner maintenance to cool the home efficiently and effectively. The easiest form of care that one can do is to change the air filter on the unit. This is fairly easy to DIY if a homeowner can find the right filter.
Since filters keep dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from getting into the house, they can become caked with debris. This inhibits the airflow through the air conditioning system and causes the internal fans to work harder, burning more energy. This can lead to a quicker breakdown due to wear and tear on parts and a warmer home. A few of the other maintenance tasks that a professional HVAC technician should perform include:
- Checking coolant level
- Checking electrical connections
- Checking thermostat function
- Cleaning coils
- Cleaning ducts
- Replacing worn or damaged parts
- Straightening fins
Keep Calm and Find Out When to Replace the Old AC with a High-Quality New Unit
Many homeowners say, “Let’s just keep the air conditioner through one more summer, then we will replace it.” But if the AC is already exhibiting signs of age, it may not last through the summer, and the homeowner may be left with a huge AC repair or AC replacement bill, not to mention the energy costs of running an inefficient unit. Consulting with a reputable HVAC company is the best way to determine what fits the homeowner’s needs and budget.
3 Signs an Old AC Unit Is Nearing the End of Its Life:
- Strange Noises: If there are banging or screeching sounds when the AC turns on, it is likely time to consider air conditioner replacement.
- Higher Energy Bills: A sudden and seemingly sourceless increase in a home’s energy bill may mean that the AC unit is working too hard and using up needlessly large amounts of energy.
- Warmer Home: Does the thermostat need to be set at a lower temperature than normal to maintain comfort? That may mean the air conditioning is going out.
Keep Calm and Turn on the Fans
Just having a state-of-the-art ducted HVAC system may not be enough to cool a home in the hottest part of summer adequately. One should use ceiling fans to help circulate cool air and reduce the amount of energy the AC needs to use. The ceiling fan direction is very important in helping the air move in a way that feels cooler. The counterclockwise rotation creates a downdraft that will make a space feel cooler. A homeowner should verify that their fans are going in the proper direction.
About Barker Heating & Cooling
For more than 20 years, Barker Heating & Cooling has provided Livermore, CA, with excellent HVAC service. They are proud to offer after-hours appointments at no extra charge and treat their customers like family. Call them today for great deals on summer AC maintenance.
