Your HVAC system is working overtime this summer. As the temperature rises, ensuring your system operates at optimal efficiency is crucial.  As a homeowner, you can implement a combination of maintenance practices and smart habits to help your HVAC system run effectively. Below are tips from Comfort Professionals to keep your system working correctly and to improve your indoor comfort:

1. Regular Maintenance:

• Change or clean air filters regularly: A clogged filter restricts airflow, making your AC work harder and less efficiently. Replace disposable filters every 30 to 90 days, or as recommended by the manufacturer. If you have reusable filters, clean them often.
• Clean the outdoor unit (condenser coils): The outdoor unit can accumulate dirt, leaves, and debris, which hinders its ability to release heat. Keep the area around it clear (with at least 2 feet of clearance), and gently hose down the fins to remove any buildup.
• Schedule professional tune-ups: Annual maintenance by Comfort Professionals HVAC professionals can catch minor issues before they become significant problems, ensuring your system runs optimally and extends its lifespan. They can inspect electrical components, check refrigerant levels, and clean internal coils.
• Clear the condensate drain line: This line removes moisture from your AC. If it gets clogged, it can lead to water backup and reduced efficiency. Regularly check for blockages and clear them.
•  Inspect and clean air ducts: Leaky or dirty ducts can waste a significant amount of cooled air. Consider having your ducts inspected and cleaned professionally every few years.

2. Smart Thermostat Usage:

• Set a comfortable and consistent temperature: Avoid constantly adjusting your thermostat to maintain a consistent temperature. Aim for a comfortable temperature (around 78°F is often recommended for energy efficiency) when you’re home.
• Use a programmable or smart thermostat: These allow you to set schedules, raising the temperature when you’re away or asleep (e.g., 7-10 degrees higher for at least 8 hours a day) and lowering it before you return. Smart thermostats can even learn your habits and automatically optimize settings.

• Don’t set the thermostat lower to “speed cool”: Your AC won’t cool faster by setting it to a much lower temperature. It will only run longer, wasting energy.

3. Reduce Heat Gain in Your Home:

• Close blinds, curtains, and shades: Especially on south- and west-facing windows during the hottest parts of the day, as direct sunlight can significantly heat your home. Blackout shades are particularly effective.
• Seal air leaks: Caulk and weatherstripping around windows, doors, and other openings (like those around pipes or in the attic) prevent warm air from entering and cool air from escaping.
• Use exhaust fans: Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans during cooking and showering to remove heat and humidity, which makes your AC work harder.
• Limit heat-generating appliances during peak hours: Try to run dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers in the evenings or early mornings when temperatures are cooler. Consider grilling outdoors instead of using the oven or stove.
• Switch to LED light bulbs: LEDs generate significantly less heat than incandescent bulbs, resulting in a cooler indoor environment.

4. Optimize Airflow and Circulation:

• Use ceiling or portable fans: Fans create a wind-chill effect, making a room feel cooler. This allows you to raise your thermostat setting by a few degrees (typically 4°F) without compromising comfort, thereby reducing your AC’s workload. Remember to turn fans off when you leave the room, as they cool people, not spaces.
• Keep vents clean and unblocked: Ensure that all supply and return vents are open and free from obstruction by furniture, rugs, or curtains. Blocked vents restrict airflow, reducing the system’s efficiency.