Beat the Heat in August
The dog days of summer are here, and you’re probably running your AC around the clock. But that doesn’t mean you need to shell out a fortune to keep your home cool. In addition to servicing your unit, as we discussed earlier this month, here are some other tips from Phil Montgomery, owner of Atlanta Heating and Air Conditioning.
1. Change your air filter more frequently.
You’ve probably always changed your filter every three months or so, but Montgomery says that during the summer, when your unit is running the most, changing it once a month can help ensure your unit runs more efficiently. Because it’s running more often, dust, dirt and debris can build up quicker. And that makes it harder to push the cooled air through, making your unit work harder than it needs to.
2. Consider installing a programmable thermostat.
Programmable thermostats have been around for some time, and they can make your home more efficient. But they can also help increase your air conditioner’s efficiency and lower energy bills each month. By programming your unit only to run when you are home, you can let it rest while you’re out and ensure you aren’t paying to keep an empty home cool.
3. Close off rooms you don’t use often.
This tip is especially true for larger homes, but even the average homeowner can take advantage of this tip. If you have rooms in your home that you don’t use regularly, close the vents and keep the doors to those rooms closed. That will ensure that the cooled air your AC is pumping out will only flow to the rooms you are using.
4. Keep the sun out.
You love your windows for the natural light they let in, but the sun beating down can also increase the temperature. Close your blinds and curtains, especially when you aren’t at home, to keep that heat out. Even with a programmable thermostat, the extra heat can trigger your unit to come on, air conditioning your home when you don’t necessarily need it.
5. Use fans.
Ceiling fans and other fans can be great at helping to lower the temperature in your home. You can set your air conditioner a bit higher, and still be comfortable when used in conjunction with fans.
There are many ways to beat the heat during the hottest days of summer. If you have questions or concerns about the efficiency of your air conditioning unit, call Atlanta Heating and Air Conditioning today.