Does your air conditioner never seem to stop running? It’s always tirelessly trying to keep up with the hot summer days to help keep you comfortable. With June approaching, we are susceptible to getting hit with those hot summer days soon. The muggy Michigan weather makes air conditioning even more appealing as a cool escape from the heat.
You will want to make sure your air conditioner is running smoothly and not overexerting itself – essentially taking money out of your pocket. We came up with a list of tips that will help save you money for the hot summer days to come.
Have your AC cleaned- Change your filter regularly and keep it clean to allow for the most fluid air movement possible. Try to change the filter monthly. If this is too much, then change it every two months. How much your air conditioner runs depends largely on the environment where your home is located and the atmospherics in your city.
Regularly check or have AC unit inspected– You want to make sure your AC unit and all of its attachments are running properly. Regular inspections before each summer are recommended as it’s likely your AC was shut off during the winter months. It is best to set up a regularly scheduled maintenance program with an HVAC contractor.
Keep blinds/curtains closed on south and west sides of house- Keep the heat out by closing blinds on the south and west sides of your home. These windows are prone to the most sunshine as the sun shifts throughout the day.
Turn off lights you don’t need- Lights produce heat and add extra unwanted warmth to your home during hot days. Try to use as much light that your home has to offer from any skylights or windows.
Landscape placement- Plant tall trees to shade windows and doors to keep the sun from overheating your home. Trees are a great natural and environmental-friendly way to help control the sun’s heat from entering your home.
Solar Screens- Keep the heat out of your home while still enjoying the natural light by purchasing solar screens for your windows. Solar screens are a great way to lessen cooling costs and keep out the blinding glare of the sun
When no one is home- It may seem counter-intuitive, but by turning up your air conditioner (typically to 78º) when you’re at work will cut down on your cooling costs. You don’t need to cool down an empty house that no one is home to enjoy.
