Today is the last day of August, and while the heat and humidity are still here with us, it’s a great time to take stock of your current air conditioner. Many homeowners concerned about energy efficiency and performance will have had their systems evaluated, cleaned and tuned-up long before the cooling season began, but that doesn’t mean your system is invincible. Indeed, you’ll want to take note of any operational issues that may arise with your central air unit, heat pump or ductless mini split. Let’s take a look at a few tips that you may want to keep in mind when it comes to cooling here in Potomac.
- Take stock of your system’s energy efficiency. It can be useful to compare how much you spent on cooling this year compared to last year. If the cost of electricity is more or less the same, then you can then assess whether your system’s efficiency is no longer what it once was. At this point, you may want to consider some minor upgrades that will keep your system operating at peak efficiency, such as a programmable or smart thermostat, extending your zone system or even considering a system upgrade.
- Keep your home dark and cool during the day. It goes without saying that leaving a window open all day will affect your AC’s ability to perform, but are you taking the steps to keep out light? Investing in shades and curtains can save you a significant amount of money during the cooling season, and it’s never too late to do so, even as September approaches!
- Know when to retire your AC. It’s tempting to want to run your AC into the ground. These systems are expensive and you don’t want to replace it unnecessarily. That said, you also want to avoid a breakdown at an inopportune time. Speak with a pro technician about the longevity of your system. The best way to keep tabs on how your AC is doing is with a preventive maintenance plan.
Don’t wait until next cooling season to have your system looked at if it’s giving you trouble now. Let the pros at Tuckers Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing have a look. Call us today!