Creating a comfortable indoor environment is critical for both your physical and mental well-being, and your air conditioner is excellent for helping to facilitate this, especially during the sweltering summer heat. However, achieving comfort takes more than setting your preferred temperature on your thermostat. Here are five ways you can use your air conditioner to create the perfect indoor environment.
1. Schedule Regular Maintenance
To maintain comfort, your air conditioner must operate efficiently. Regular maintenance is a reliable way to achieve this. An HVAC technician will conduct a thorough inspection to identify and resolve minor issues before they escalate into major problems. They will clean and lubricate all moving parts to ensure smooth operation. The technician will also check the condensate drain for blockages, clear any that are found and inspect the outdoor unit to remove debris. Additionally, they will verify refrigerant levels, repair any leaks and replenish the refrigerant if necessary. They also examine electrical components for flaws. Experts advise scheduling maintenance annually to keep your air conditioner performing optimally.
2. Determine the Best Temperature Settings for Your Household
Once maintenance has been performed and your AC is running properly, you need to determine the temperature settings that provide the most comfort for everyone in your home. While the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, this may not work for your household. You need to agree on a temperature that’s cool enough for comfort without wasting energy.
3. Use Programmable Thermostats
If you do not currently have a programmable thermostat, it’s good idea to install one because it will help enhance comfort. For example, you can keep the AC off all day when nobody is home to avoid wasting energy on cooling an empty house, and you can set your AC to resume the cooling process before everyone returns.
4. Consider Zoning
If your home has multiple floors or areas that are regularly unoccupied, consider a zoning system. With such a system, you can control the temperature for each zone, which will be beneficial for those with different preferences for different rooms. You can cool only the areas that will be occupied and save money you would otherwise waste cooling unused rooms.
5. Improve Air Quality
If your air conditioner is equipped with the proper filters, it can remove pollutants from the air. Use the most effective filters your system will allow. If you are unsure which ones to use, consult with an HVAC professional. Also, change your filters regularly. While experts say to check your filter every month and change it at least every 90 days, you may need to change it more often if you live with pets or smokers.
Now is the time to get your system ready to brave the stifling summer heat. Call our team at Upland Services in Joplin, MO for AC repair and maintenance.
