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Five Tips to Prepare Your Air Conditioning for Summer



Although the weather has been up and down lately, in no time, we will consistently be living with triple-digit temperatures.


That means now is the time to get ready for summer and prepare your air-conditioning unit so you have cool, comfortable air in your home day and night.


Here are the five things you can do right now to make sure you’re ready.


1. Check Insulation and Airflow


Whether you recently moved into your home or you’ve lived there for decades, things change. Homes move and little leaks that weren’t there before might suddenly be big issues.


And if airflow through your ducts from the air-conditioning unit throughout your home isn’t clear, the A/C’s efficiency could drop up to 40%. Don’t cool the neighborhood or make your unit work harder. Instead, be smart and check insulation and airflow before the temperatures rise.


2. Switch to a Peak Plan


Both APS and SRP offer peak plans that help to better manage your heating and cooling bill.


Since most people aren’t home during the day, these plans allow you to use energy in the evenings and weekends for a lower cost per kW than during the hottest times of the day.


You may also opt to have the same bill amount each month through the year so you can budget better; rather than a $40 bill in the winter and a $400 bill in the summer, you might pay $200 a month year round. Contact your electric company to ask about switching to a peak plan this summer.


3. Install a Programmable Thermostat


If you’re going to take advantage of a peak plan, the best way to ensure you’re following through is to install a programmable thermostat. For a minimal investment and a little time learning how to use it, you can program your home to be a bit warmer in the day and start to cool down as you come home from work and while you’re sleeping.


Nest is probably one of the most popular brands on the market right now, and you can even control it remotely through your home’s Wi-Fi with your phone or tablet. Conserving energy has never been easier.