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.
4. Replace Filters and Clean the Unit
During the warmer months, you may have forgotten about changing the filter in your air-conditioning unit, but now that it’s warmer, make yourself a reminder.
Change your filter each month and clean the intake vents to the unit—both inside and outside. If you have easy access to the unit, sweep away debris away each month, perhaps when you clean the pool or maintain the yard. Dirt and debris make the unit work harder, reduce the efficiency of your A/C system, and can put more of what you don’t want in your home.
5. Schedule A/C Maintenance
Before the summer really gets going, it’s not too late to set-up your maintenance and get someone in to inspect your air conditioning unit. One of our experienced technicians will inspect and review your complete system, from the outside to into your home, to ensure that your air is blowing cold and your unit is working efficiently.
And if there is a problem, you’d rather find out at the end of our inspection than in the middle of the night.
Be smart this summer by ensuring your air conditioning works better. Forrest Anderson is here to help.
Contact Forrest Anderson Today!