Summer is the season when many choose to go out on the beach, or get tanned by the pool, or enjoy the outdoors. However, some prefer to stay at home and have a DIY staycation. If you like to spend your summer at home, have you checked if your abode is ready to give you the comfort you need?
For sure, your AC is in for another busy stretch, and there are steps you can take to help it work a little less pressure. Allow Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning, your trusted HVAC company in Chanhassen MN. to give you five ways to increase your comfort levels at home during the warm months.
Check your filter.
Your HVAC system’s filter is the part that’s the easiest to maintain. By keeping it clean, you allow the AC to have sufficient airflow, which is necessary for its effortless performance. We recommend cleaning or replacing the filter at least once per month to ensure the unit works as smoothly as possible. With a clean filter, your air conditioner will give you the comfort you need conveniently and efficiently.
Check your dampers.
If your HVAC system is equipped with air dampers, which are valves that control the airflow in specific rooms or an entire floor. Don’t confuse them with registers, which can be seen through the grills of vents on ceilings and floors. Your dampers should be located inside the ductwork. They look like handles or knobs on the exterior of ducts, allowing you to open or close the dampers. If you notice your home has poor airflow, determine which dampers are closed and open them to upgrade your comfort at home this summer.
Use ceiling fans along with your AC.
Here’s a fun fact: staying cool at home when it’s hot outside depends more on how the air feels on your skin rather than the actual temperature. A ceiling fan can actually help a room feel up to 10 degrees cooler and uses just 10 percent of the energy of a central air conditioner. By doing this trick, you can save money by not setting the thermostat as low to keep you cool. Also, make sure you set your ceiling fan to work counterclockwise so that it will pull up the cooler air from the ground and circulate it throughout the room. And don’t forget to turn the fan off when you leave the room, as a fan is not helping anyone if there’s nobody there to enjoy the breeze.
Use your windows wisely.
Being wise in opening and closing windows in your home can contribute to your comfort during this season. You may be tempted to open up windows to let some fresh air circulate throughout your home. But this step works only when the outside temperature is cooler than the indoor temperature. Opening your windows when it is warmer outside will siphon cooled air out of your home — it’s a waste of money.
When the temperature allows you to air out your home, create a draft by opening the windows on the lower floor, especially the shady side. Since heat rises, opening up the upstairs windows on the warmer side of your abode will create another draft for your home.
Manage your day properly.
Keeping your home comfortable this season isn’t just about your air conditioner. You can start planning your day wisely in order to maximize your options. You can perform household chores like dishwashing or pressing clothes during the cooler parts of the day. To keep your house cool when you have to cook during the day, you can opt to use the grill outside or the microwave to minimize the heat circulating in your home.
Get Ultimate Comfort with Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
The single most effective way to increase your comfort this summer is to have your AC professionally tuned up. With the help of a certified technician, your cooling system will be cleaned thoroughly, the refrigerant will be at the prescribed levels, moving parts will be lubricated, and potential issues will be prevented. With professional Eden Prairie AC repair and maintenance, you will get the comfort you desire while making sure your energy expenses are kept at a minimum.