Stay Comfortable This Summer: 5 Tips to Minimize Strain on Your Air Conditioner

Summer is a season of warmth and the inevitable heat brings with it the usual strain on your home's HVAC system. With temperatures in Mobile, Alabama reaching the high 90’s (and peaking into the 100’s this July), this summer heat wave can take a toll on your home’s HVAC system. The strain can come from both the heat and humidity, which can cause your HVAC unit to work harder than it needs to. 

Here are some tips to help reduce strain on your HVAC system this summer: 

Keep the Air Filters Clean

If your air filter is dirty, it can affect the indoor air quality and how efficiently your HVAC unit operates. Dirty filters can also cause the HVAC unit to work harder and longer than necessary, which can lead to early failure. By keeping the air filters clean, you will reduce the amount of strain on the system and increase its lifespan.

To clean or replace an air filter for an HVAC unit, first consult your owner’s manual. The instructions will tell you the specific type of filter you need and how to clean or replace it. Some filters can simply be vacuumed or shaken out, while others may need to be replaced altogether. 

Be sure to check your air filter on a regular basis and change it when needed. Dirty filters can cause problems with your indoor air quality and can also lead to costly repairs for your HVAC unit.

Clean Out the Drain Line with Bleach

Did you know that you should also pour 8 oz of bleach down the drain each time you change your air filter? It might seem like overkill, but it's one of the best ways to improve air conditioner efficiency and keep your unit running well.

Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill bacteria, viruses, and other allergens that can cause problems with your AC unit. It's also a great way to clean out the drain line and prevent clogs from forming. Just make sure you pour it down the drain and not into the fan or compressor, or you could damage your unit.

Regularly changing your filter and pouring bleach down the drain are two easy ways to keep your air conditioner running efficiently all season long.

Check the Insulation

The summer heat can be unbearable, especially when your electric bill arrives at the end of the month. One way to reduce the strain on your air conditioning unit and keep the cool air in is to make sure your home is properly insulated. If you have any gaps or cracks in your insulation, now is the time to fix them. You can either do the work yourself or hire a professional to help you.

If you're looking for ways to reduce your energy bill, start with checking the insulation in your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most homes are under-insulated, which means they lose a lot of heat during the winter and cool air during the summer. You can easily test whether or not your home is properly insulated by checking for drafts around doors and windows. If you find any, it's time to add more insulation.

Use Fans

If you are looking for a quick way to reduce the strain on your air conditioning unit and save money on your energy bill, using fans in addition to air conditioning is a great option. While air conditioning is the most common way to cool a home, it can be expensive to operate and can strain the electrical grid. A less expensive and more environmentally-friendly way to cool your home is to use fans in addition to air conditioning.

Fans work by circulating air around a room, which helps to reduce the amount of heat that builds up. In addition, fans use much less power than air conditioners, so they can help you save money on your energy bill. Fans are also a great way to keep cool without having to rely on artificial cooling methods.

Adjust the Thermostat

A simple way to reduce the strain on your system and save on your energy bill is to adjust the thermostat. Keeping the thermostat set at a comfortable temperature will help keep your system from working harder than it needs to. You can save money by turning up the thermostat a few degrees in the summer.

Adjusting the thermostat can help make indoor temperatures more comfortable when it is hot outside. The best temperature to set the thermostat at varies depending on the person, but somewhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is generally comfortable for most people. If it is very hot outside, setting the thermostat a few degrees lower may be necessary to achieve comfort indoors. However, it is important not to set the thermostat too low, as this can lead to increased energy usage and higher costs. 

It’s important to keep in mind air conditioners are designed to lower the temperature of your home's air by about 20 degrees, so if it is 104°F, you can expect the coldest your air to blow will be 84° F. The temperature can only be lowered to a certain point because of the limitations of the air conditioner. Outside temperatures, humidity levels, and the age and size of the unit all play a role in how cold your home can get.

Conclusion

Following these tips will help keep your home cool:

1. Keep the air filters clean: A dirty air filter will decrease the system's efficiency.
2. Check the insulation: Make sure your home is properly insulated to keep the cool air in.
3. Clean out the drain line with bleach: Just 8 oz of bleach can improve efficiency by preventing clogs from forming.
4. Use fans: Get a fan for extra airflow. Fans can help circulate the air and minimize the strain on the HVAC system.
5. Adjust the thermostat: Keep the thermostat set at a comfortable temperature.

In conclusion, following these tips will help keep your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. Remember to use fans, keep the AC set at a reasonable temperature, and use window insulation to keep the heat out. Keep your family safe and cool with a properly functioning hvac system. And be sure to call a professional, like Revitalize Heating and Air, if your HVAC system is not keeping up with the demand. Have a cool and comfortable summer!

Related Questions

How much strain does it add to your HVAC system if you don’t change your air filters?

If you don't change your air filters, it can add a lot of strain to your HVAC system. Not only does it make your system work harder, it can also cause the system to break down prematurely. The filters keep the air in your home clean and free of dust, pollen, and other allergens. They also help keep the coils on your AC unit clean, which improves the efficiency of the unit.

How often should I clean my air filter?

Cleaning air filters is an important part of maintaining your HVAC system. Dirty filters can cause the system to work harder, costing you more in energy bills and may even lead to system failure. How often you should clean your air filters depends on a number of factors, including the type of filter, the amount of dust in your home and the size of your HVAC unit.

Some experts recommend cleaning air filters every month, while others suggest every three months. It's a good idea to check the filter manufacturer's recommendations and follow those guidelines as closely as possible. You can also use a tool like the Home Energy Saver to help you determine how often you should clean your air filters.

What effect does drafty windows have on your HVAC system? 

Drafty windows can have a significant impact on your home’s heating and cooling system. Windows that are not properly insulated can allow warm air to escape in the winter and cool air to escape in the summer, leading to increased energy usage and higher utility bills. In addition, drafty windows can cause your HVAC system to work harder than necessary, which can shorten its lifespan. If you are experiencing problems with your HVAC system, one of the first things you should check is your windows’ insulation. If they are not properly insulated, consider installing new windows or adding insulation to the existing windows.

Should I close off vents in unused rooms? 

Put simply, no, you shouldn’t close off your vents. A misconception a lot of us have is to close off unused rooms to reduce strain on your cooling or heating system. The best way to cool it down fast is to close off all the unused air vents, right?

Wrong.

Closing off air vents can actually cause your home to become hotter,  due to something called the stack effect. This happens when the warm air rises and gathers at the top of your home, while the cooler air stays near the floor. By closing off the vents, you’re preventing the cooler air from circulating properly and cooling down your home. What’s more, closing off air vents can also cause moisture to build up on your vents which can lead to mold growth. 

Should I invest in a programmable thermostat?

Programmable thermostats have been on the market for many years, but they are becoming more popular as people become more interested in saving energy and reducing their environmental impact. A programmable thermostat allows you to set the desired temperature for your home and then have the thermostat automatically adjust the temperature at different times of the day. This can save you a lot of money on your energy bill, and it can also help reduce strain on the environment. If you are interested in investing in a programmable thermostat, there are a few things you should consider before making your purchase.