Using Your Air-Conditioner
As the temperatures begin to heat up, please be mindful of the following tips for keeping your home cool and minimizing the strain on the air-conditioning units.
As with any machine, air-conditioners need a break too and should not be running 24/7. Repairs are not only expensive, but in the current environment and particularly during the hot months, it will take a long time for a repairperson to be available to come service a unit.
Set your thermostat between 76-78 degrees, so the air-conditioning system isn’t running all day. Do not dramatically turn down your thermostat to lower temperatures. Setting the thermostat really low does not increase your air conditioner’s cooling capacity.
When you’re not at home, set your thermostat 5 to 10 degrees warmer than what would normally be comfortable for you.
Close all windows, sun-facing blinds, and curtains and/or consider installing black-out curtains.
Keep the windows to your home closed when you are running your air conditioner. When you have windows open while the A/C is on, the A/C system must constantly operate to cool the hot air flowing in through the windows. Constantly running your A/C increases your electricity costs, increases the chances that the unit will break down, and shortens the lifespan of the unit.
Try to avoid heating appliances like clothes dryers, dishwashers, and ovens during the day since these machines generate heat and humidity and therefore more work for your air conditioner.
Computers, TVs and other electronics generate quite a bit of heat when sitting idle or even when turned off, so unplug devices when they’re not in use or use a surge protector with an on/off switch.
Use portable fans - they use much less energy than air conditioners.
Fortunately, the evening temperatures usually cool down. Consider leaving the windows open for a nice breeze in the evenings instead of running the air-conditioner.
Replacing Air Conditioning Filters: For your health and proper operation of the air-conditioning unit, the filters need to be replaced every six months. To change the air conditioning filters yourself, please make sure to install the filter with the arrow on the filter pointing up. Failure to do so will prevent proper air flow and will damage the air-conditioning unit. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Read more: Don’t crank down your thermostat when it’s hot out. Do this instead. https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2023/07/10/air-conditioner-recommended-settings-summer/