As the summertime approaches, daily temperatures can skyrocket fast, especially in Phoenix, AZ, and intensify the heat in your house. As a homeowner, having an HVAC system is a favored feature in keeping the environment consistently comfortable no matter the conditions outside — until it breaks down. The more your air conditioning works to bring down high heat, the more wear it becomes exposed to.
You may notice that your HVAC has to work harder, or that certain rooms don’t regulate temperature the same as others. If it is not working as efficiently as it should be, consider doing some simple system upkeep and possible upgrades to your home to see better results. Keeping up with the maintenance of your HVAC can reduce the chances of needing repairs and the risk of needing to replace the system altogether. These precautions go a long way toward saving money on bills and electricity.
Here are our tips on how you can minimize the strain on your HVAC system during the heat of summer so that your home can remain cool without worrying about repairs or replacements.
6 Most Effective Ways to Minimize HVAC Strain
- Cut Down on Heat Inside Your Home
Reducing the impact of heat inside your home is one of the simplest ways to help reduce the extra work your HVAC will have to do to combat it. Take a look around your home to see what could be contributing to unnecessary heat gain and how you can alter it. Some examples to improve this include:
- Closing curtains or blinds
- Turning off lights when not in use
- Keeping windows and doors closed
- Turning on ceiling fans to complement the air conditioning
- Using heat-generating appliances (oven, stove, dryer, dishwasher) in the evening
- Upgrade Your Thermostat
If you’re at work, on vacation, or simply enjoying the outdoors and no one is at the house for a period of time, these are perfect chances to give your cooling system a break. Let the temperature in your house rise slightly by setting your thermostat higher. Times like these reduce the constant strain on your HVAC to keep it from working to meet exceptionally cooler temperatures than the outdoors all day. Installing a smart thermostat can help you then turn the temperature lower before you come home with a connected app on your phone.
- Inspect the Ductwork
Air ducts and vents can result in leaks if they are poorly sealed. They can become loose and cause cracks in the system, taking a toll on the efficiency of your airstream. Be sure that yours are properly sealed and insulated tightly to keep them powerful and to continuously protect the quality of your air. It’s additionally important to clean them every 3 to 5 years. Debris can cause more strain, dust, pet dander, and mold can build up and circulate through your air.
- Change Air Filters
A dirty air filter can quickly cause strain on your HVAC due to limited airflow. You additionally want to make sure the condenser is free of any leaves or debris that could negatively affect its performance. Air filters should be changed every 1-3 months depending on your household situation. You may want to change them more often if you or people living in your home suffer from allergy symptoms, if you have pets, or if your climate is more humid than others. Not only will your HVAC run more smoothly and at maximum efficiency, but it will also help your home become a cleaner place.
- Improve Insulation
Proper insulation in the ceiling and walls helps maintain the temperature inside the house. Similar to keeping the warm air inside during the winter months, it holds in the cooler air rather than having it leak out through poorly insulated seals including your windows and doors. Consider improving the insulation in your garage, basement, attic, and other areas that may allow the most heat in from outside. An airtight home means your air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the cool air consistent in each room.
- Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows
Windows have a significant impact on your HVAC efficiency. Heat gains and losses through the windows are responsible for up to 25-30 percent of a home’s energy consumption. If your windows are older or in poor condition, it may be time to upgrade to energy-efficient windows to avoid more repairing and sealing costs. Otherwise, you will need to assess any cracked or missing caulk and weatherstripping and consider adding storm windows or panes along with solar control film.
Why Choose Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing for Air Conditioning Replacement and Installation
At Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing, we take our work and our customers seriously. That’s one reason why we have an excellent reputation. We have decades of experience installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC systems in the Phoenix area. Our certified professionals perform high-quality work to guarantee that your air conditioning keeps you cool on the hottest days. If you are wondering what a new AC replacement cost would be, contact us today!
We’re friendly and professional, and we’re happy to answer any of your questions. If you’re not sure what kind of air conditioner is best for your apartment or house, we can help you choose a great unit. There are financing options available, as well. Help for your air conditioning system is nearby. To learn more about our AC installation process or other services we offer, contact us right away for assistance.
What Customers Are Saying
Check out this 5-star Google review below regarding an air conditioner purchased from us.
“We love Day & Night! Since we installed our air conditioner, we have had nothing but excellent service from sales, installation, to technicians coming out to help with new thermostat. This is what customer service is all about! Will continue to recommend to everyone!” - Melissa Vizcarra, March 3, 2021
Rating 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read more of our 2,432 reviews on Google!