3 Ways To Save Wear And Tear On Your Air Conditioner And Minimize The Need For Repairs
If you're like most homeowners, you rely on your air conditioner to keep you comfortable at least part of the year. But if your AC has already seen lots of wear and tear, you may be hesitant to use it all the time this summer. You can minimize the need for repairs and even save yourself some money on your energy costs if you alternate your AC usage with other cooling methods:
Put Your Ceiling Fans to Use
By running your ceiling fan all day during hot periods, you can turn your thermostat up a degree or two so your air conditioner doesn't have to work so hard. Program your ceiling fan to run counterclockwise; this creates the most air movement in the room it is installed in and creates a breeze effect that makes it feel cooler than it really is. The angle of your ceiling fan's blades should be at least twelve degrees for optimal performance. Anything less will not push enough air into the room to make a noticeable difference.
Plant a Few Pretty Trees
Planting trees in your yard will not only naturally cool your home during the summer months, but they can increase your property value by up to 20 percent. A naturally cool home puts less pressure on your air conditioner and therefore minimizes the need for expensive repairs as time goes on. Planting deciduous trees is the best idea because they grow large leaves in the summer to protect your home from the sun, but they lose their leaves in the winter so the sun can naturally warm your home up.
Do Some D.I.Y. Insulation
When the air from outside is able to enter your home through cracks and leaks--even small ones--it can significantly increase your cooling costs and your need for air conditioning. Sealing some of the leaks in your home will save you money, preserve your air conditioner, and even create a healthier environment indoors. Use caulking or spray foam insulation to seal:
- The window and door frames.
- Around recessed lighting fixtures.
- Gaps around chimneys and flues.
It's also a good idea to use weatherstripping around the attic hatch to seal your home from your breezy attic.
You may want to schedule an appointment with your HVAC service provider, like McKinney Heating & Air Conditioning, who can help you put together an energy saving plan that benefits your wallet and your air conditioner.
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