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Is your Austin energy bill way too high?
During the long, hot summers in Texas, your air conditioner has to work extremely hard to keep you and your family cool and comfortable. The oppressively high temperatures across the Lone Star State push AC units to their limits, as the summer season causes people to swelter. As temperatures reach the 90s and into the triple digits, Texas HVAC systems have to work overtime all season. When your AC unit works overtime to fend off the heat of summer, it requires some special consideration–no Texan wants to be without their AC during the summer, so it’s important to keep them in good working order. Read on for five helpful tips for minimizing stress and strain on your AC unit.
- Reduce Inside Heat
Heat generated within the house can strain your AC system significantly as it operates to keep the indoor temperature at your preferred setting. Using kitchen appliances, televisions, computers, and other electronic devices can generate excessive heat, causing your AC to work harder and longer. There are many things you can do to address this: take action by closing the blinds and/or curtains during the day, keeping your windows closed while the AC is running, and not using appliances like the oven and stove or even your washing machine during the warmest time of the day. To help even more, attempt to make your home naturally cooler by adding shade outside. You can start by installing patio awnings, adding window shutters, and planting shade trees outside your home. According to the EPA, adding shade outside of your house can increase your AC efficiency by as much as 10%, especially if the AC unit itself is shaded. Further, adding shade from trees can cut your AC costs by as much as 50%.
- Install a Programmable Thermostat
Allowing your air conditioner to run unnecessarily can decrease its lifespan quickly. Installing a programmable thermostat can help. Using one can help you keep your home’s temperature consistent and reduce the stress and strain on your AC system. Programmable thermostats allow you to customize a schedule that adapts to your routine; if you spend most of your time outside or away from the house, you can adjust your thermostat setting to a higher temperature so as not to overwork your AC during that time. Bonus: using a programmable thermostat is a convenient and easy way to reduce your overall energy usage and combat the higher utility costs that tend to accompany Texas summers.
- Change Your Air Filters Regularly
One of the biggest things that causes wear and tear on your AC unit is not changing your air filters consistently. Filters that become blocked or clogged will cause decreased airflow, which in turn will cause your AC unit to work harder than it should; they can even cause your AC to shut down completely. Air filters that aren’t changed often enough will not only impact your comfort by decreasing airflow. They can also lead to a higher Austin energy bill as your AC unit struggles to keep up, and seriously damage your AC system. Cleaning or replacing the air filters regularly ensures that the air in your home will prevent dust and dirt particles, pet dander, smoke, possible allergens, airborne bacteria, and viruses, etc. from circulating through your home. Usually, changing the air filters on a bi-monthly schedule will keep your AC system in good shape. However, since air conditioners operate almost continuously during the sultry months of summer in Texas, your air filters will likely need to be cleaned or replaced more frequently during this season. Check and replace your filters regularly to save your AC, along with keeping your energy and utility costs down.
- Improve Insulation
Extreme heat outside contributes directly to warmer temperatures and excess heat inside the house. A well-insulated house can keep the warm outdoor air from entering the home and can keep the cooled air inside from escaping; it will stay cooler inside, causing your AC to run for less time. Insulation in your house can help limit heat build-up when properly used to seal cracks and crevices around the walls, windows and doors, and ceilings; by reducing the amount of external hot air infiltrating the house and the internal cold air escaping through these places, the strain on your AC can be somewhat minimized. Inspect your insulation and replace it if necessary to keep your AC from working too hard.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance and Preventative Care
Seasonal HVAC system maintenance is also important to minimize the strain of summer on your home AC system. Regularly scheduled maintenance is intended to keep you from worrying about your system, as it helps to guard against unexpected issues; this is key because even the smallest of issues can develop into major problems. Another great benefit of scheduled maintenance for your AC unit is that it keeps your system running more efficiently–when your system is efficient enough to run at its peak performance level for long periods, you have the makings of the perfect storm: consistent comfort, decreased energy use, and good utility cost management. Calling in the experts is key when it comes to keeping your AC system in top condition, and is a time and money saver as well because professional HVAC technicians will perform the routine maintenance that keeps your AC running smoothly. The pros can find and catch any issues before they become major problems, which can be the difference between easy fixes and needing significant expensive repairs or even a new AC unit.
The Coolest LLC is a professional HVAC system and installation company based in Austin, Texas. The knowledgeable and experienced HVAC specialists of The Coolest are committed to providing excellent customer service and professional advice regarding your HVAC options. They know that regular maintenance is crucial for prolonging the life of your HVAC system and managing energy usage and costs, especially during the summer. The Coolest is ready to assist you with all your home heating and cooling needs. Contact the team of HVAC experts at The Coolest for more information and a free quote.
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