Summer weather in Libertyville can be a bear. But you don’t have to pick between being comfortably cool and saving money on your utility costs. We’ve compiled some tips to help you out.
The top thing you can do to stay comfy and sustain energy efficiency is by tending to your air conditioner. ENERGY STAR® suggests keeping your system running at its best and efficiently, and TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical can assist. During an AC tune-up appointment, we’ll perform the following tasks suggested by ENERGY STAR and more:
- Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors to make sure there’s safe operation of your system and the chance of a longer life for major components.
- Clean the air conditioner’s evaporator and condenser coils as needed. Dirty coils require your system to run harder to do its job.
- Check system controls to be sure of proper and safe operation.
- Look at refrigerant levels.
- Clean and adjust blower components to assure proper system airflow.
Another crucial piece to staying cool is routinely inspecting your air conditioner’s air filter. A dirty filter can raise energy costs and damage your equipment, which may lead to early failure. Our TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical professionals will look at these for you at your tune-up appointment, but you’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to set up your own schedule to swap them out.
Here are a few other tips to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient:
- Inspect thermostat settings to ensure your air conditioner keeps you comfy when you are home and saves energy while you are not around.
- If it is cool at night, you can turn off your air conditioner and open your windows. Let the crisp air cool your place for you! In the morning, shut your windows and window coverings to hold on to the cool air and block the sun’s heat.
- Use fans to your advantage. An ENERGY-STAR ceiling fan will allow you to set your thermostat a tad higher than you normally would without noting any changes in your comfort level.
- Another style of fan people often forget about when they’re trying to keep cool is their bathroom ventilation fan. Make sure to run yours when you shower as well as 20 minutes or longer after you’re done to remove the heat and humidity from your house.
- Work to not leave lights on and running many appliances on the hottest days. Obviously, your stovetop and oven put heat into your home, but even everyday activities like watching TV, working on the computer, and drying or curling your hair can up the heat in your home.
If you’d like extra ideas on how to keep your home cool and energy efficient this summer, give TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical at call at 847-362-0262 or request an appointment with us online.