With temperatures warming up, it is time to start thinking about getting our central air conditioning units for your Long Island home up and running. Air conditioners account for approximately 5% of the energy used in the United States. Running your central air conditioning efficiently can help to lower your energy consumption and reduce harmful emissions into the air. Follow these tips to keep your home comfortable and save on your energy bills this summer.
Schedule Yearly Maintenance
Your central air conditioning system is a big investment. It requires a yearly tune-up to keep it running optimally. A certified HVAC specialist should service your air conditioner each spring to lubricate parts and make any necessary adjustments to your unit. They can also give you a heads up about any potential issues with your air conditioning system that need to be addressed.
Change Filters Regularly
Regularly cleaning your central air conditioners filters can increase the unit’s efficiency by 15%. Dirt and debris prevent air from flowing easily through the system, forcing it to work harder. The first step to replacing your AC filter is to find it. The air filter is normally located inside of the house. Some filters slide in and out and others have hinged latches that keep the filters in place. Different filters have different life spans, so it is difficult to say exactly when they should be changed. Check your air conditioning filters once a month and replace them when they are dirty.
Use Your Attic Fan
Attic, or whole house fans work by pulling cool air through your house and releasing warm air through the attic. It works most effectively at cooling the house down when outside temperatures are relatively cool. Use your attic fan during the morning or evening hours when the heat of the day has subsided.
Invest in Blackout Shades or Solar Screens
Made of special window screen mesh, solar screens are installed outside of windows and work to reduce the heat transferred onto the windows glass. This relatively inexpensive investment can greatly reduce the impact of the sun’s rays on your home. Similarly, blackout shades help to keep the harsh Long Island summer heat from entering your home. Installed the same was as traditional shades, these variations are made with a thick fiberglass or vinyl layer that blocks the sun from penetrating into your home. With 10-25% of thermal energy loss escaping from windows, these solutions are worth looking into.
Program Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a necessary investment for any home with central air conditioning. The idea behind these thermostats is that by setting them to change temperature slightly at different times of the day, you are reducing energy usage. For example, if everyone in your house is at school or work all day, you can set your programmable thermostat a few degrees higher than when everyone is home. For every 1 degree Fahrenheit you turn your thermostat down, you will use 1% less energy.
Let Your Ceiling Fan Help Circulate Cool Air
Many people forget about their ceiling fans when the air conditioning is on. Set your ceiling fan to its lowest level to circulate the cold air being produced by your air conditioning unit throughout your home. This helps to take some stress off of your unit and allows you to set your thermostat at a higher temperature.
Inspect Your Duct Work
The cool air created by your air conditioning unit is blown through your home by a series of ducts. Any leak in one of these ducts will cause cold air to be released into a part of your home that does not require cooling, such as your attic or inside your walls. Have your duct work inspected and cleaned every 3 to 5 years to ensure it is leak and dust-free.
It is relatively simple to keep the central air conditioning system in your Long Island home running efficiently. These money and energy saving tips can help keep your family comfortable and relaxed all summer long.
