1. Service Your AC System.
If you didn't have your system serviced before the summer heat kicked-in, now's the time to do so! It's recommended that you have your HVAC system checked by a professional at least twice per year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Hiring the best HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks for preventative maintenance will keep your system working efficiently. Your contractor will clean the coils, check the connections, make sure the refrigerant is at proper levels and check for anything else that might not be working properly or could cause issues down the road.
2. Adjust Your Thermostat.
When you're hot, one of the first things you're tempted to do is go bump your AC down by a couple degrees. Many people don't realize that just a couple degrees can make a huge difference in energy costs. Always set your thermostat to the highest temperature you can stand to save the most money. Studies have found that each degree a thermostat is set above 75°F could save 10-15% in energy. Many experts actually recommend setting it at 78°F on hot days, and anywhere from 82-85°F when you're not home. Installing a programmable thermostat is a great way to maintain energy efficient temperatures in your home.
3. Use Your Ceiling Fans.
Did you know that using a ceiling fan can offer energy savings up to 40%? While fans don't actually cool the air, they make it feel cooler by moving it, pulling body heat away from your skin. Fans use roughly 1/60th the energy of an air conditioner, so using both at the same time and raising your thermostat a couple degrees is an energy-efficient way to cool your home on hot summer days. Just make sure that your ceiling fan has angled blades that are set to push the air downward at you.
4. Cover Your Windows.
While windows are great for letting natural light in, they also let heat in during the summer months. That extra heat makes your AC system work even harder to cool off the room. Invest in some blinds, curtains or other devices to keep sunlight from entering your home. Another great idea is to plant shrubs, particularly on the south and west sides of your home, in front of the windows to help block the sunlight and absorb some of the heat so it doesn't enter your home.
5. Cook Outside.
One of the largest culprits of extra heat in your home is the use of the oven/stove. Consider using your oven/stove less during the summer months and grill out instead. This can help keep your energy costs down because the AC doesn't have to work extra hard to compensate for that extra heat in the kitchen. Alternatively, you can use other appliances that throw off less heat such as a crockpot.
6. Seal Your Windows.
Poorly sealed windows and doors will leak air, which makes your AC work harder to keep your home cool. Caulking leaks or cracks and weather stripping your windows will prevent the cool air from escaping your home through the windows and doors. In addition, make sure that your home is properly insulated to keep the cool air in and the hot air out.
7. Replace Your Air Filter.
One home maintenance task that easily gets overlooked is regularly replacing your AC's air filter. This is especially important during the hot summer months, and even more so if you have pets. Air filters keep your HVAC system running smoothly by preventing dust from blocking your vents and promoting air circulation. If the filters are dirty, your system will have to work harder to circulate air. Luckily, this is an easy and inexpensive task.
Our Lake of the Ozarks HVAC maintenance company is here to ensure your system is ready for the summer heat! If you have your system checked this spring, you should consider having us come out and take a look at it as soon as possible. We're also here for all your emergency service needs. Keep our number handy - 573-480-4313.
Royal Heating & Air - "The King of Comfort"
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