The most basic way you can help your cooling system run more efficiently and effectively this summer is to arrange with our team for professional air conditioning maintenance in Minneapolis, MN. If you’ve already done that, then you’re off to a good start for summer cooling.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the “next steps” to improve your AC’s performance, efficiency, and reliability through another warm and humid summer. Once we go beyond maintenance, there are many ways to help your air conditioning system work its best.
Schedule Duct Cleaning
People are often so focused on their air conditioning systems that they forget about the ductwork attached to them. That ductwork can make a huge difference in how well an AC functions and one guarantee about ductwork is that it will get dirty over time.
Ducts that are clogged up with dust, lint, and other debris create resistance against airflow, which makes the AC less energy efficient. You don’t need your ducts cleaned yearly, but we recommend having it done every 3–5 years. If you’ve never had duct cleaning done, this is a good year to schedule it!
Set a Schedule for Filter Changes
During regular maintenance, your HVAC technician will change the air filter for a clean one. If you don’t know how to do this, just ask the technicians to show you—because you’ll need to do this task on your own during the rest of the summer.
This filter will become dirty and clogged after 1-3 months (depending on the strength and type of filter), and unless it’s swapped for a clean one, it will cut down on airflow into the AC and make it work harder.
Clogged filters can cause the air conditioner to overheat and shut down and even the coils to freeze. Once you determine how often to change the filters, set up a regular schedule so you can stick to it.
Replace Outdated Thermostat
What counts as an “outdated” thermostat? Any manual thermostat or a digital thermostat without programmable features counts. Although you can definitely “get by” with these types of climate controls, you’re also missing out on an AC that saves money and doesn’t have to run as often.
We especially recommend upgrading to a Wi-Fi smart thermostat, which helps an AC run at its highest efficiency and eliminates waste while requiring little input from the homeowner. (Please work with professionals to ensure you have a new thermostat that pairs correctly with your current system.)
Raise the Thermostat
No, we’re not asking you to heat your home in the summer. We’re recommending that you raise the thermostat to the highest temperature that you find comfortable. This takes off strain from the AC and prevents it from freezing up (something that can occur if the thermostat is set lower than 68°F).
The US Department of Energy recommends a target daytime temperature of 78°F, raising it by 8°F at night or when the house is empty. If this still feels too warm to you, lower the thermostat to a comfortable temperature and then aim to raise it by one degree per day to adjust to 78°F.
Contact Residential Heating and Air Conditioning and “Feel the Difference”!