Summer Air Conditioning Tips

Summer Air Conditioning Tips To Get Your Home Ready For Warm Weather

The transition to spring and summer is exciting, but it’s also the time to take action to avoid potential problems with your air conditioning, heating and plumbing systems. Here are some summer air conditioning tips from Midwest Comfort Heating and Cooling^® to get your home in shape for warm weather, save energy and money too.

Keep Cool with These Summer Air Conditioning Tips

Don’t allow the interior of your home to become dangerously hot since the air conditioner cannot cool it down within a reasonable amount of time. Air conditioners are designed for about a 20° change in temperature, so 100° air would only be cooled to about 80°. Depending on the air’s humidity, it could take 60 minutes to lower the indoor air temperature 1 degree once the air conditioning has been turned on.

One of the most simple air conditioneing tips is to check your air filter at least once a month to ensure that your family is breathing cleaner air and your HVAC system is not being overworked due to restricted airflow. Reduced airflow has the potential to increase energy use and increase monthly utility bills.

Run your ceiling fans to stay cooler in the summertime. Check your fans to ensure they are going in the correct direction. In the summer, your fan should be set on “forward,” which means the blades are rotating counter-clockwise. There is a switch on the base where you can control this. By moving your fan setting to the forward position, you will receive a nice downward breeze keeping you cooler.

It is fairly common for an air conditioner to ice up. The air conditioner drain line can also freeze, back up and cause a leak, which is often confused for a plumbing leak. When this happens, immediately turn off your compressor by switching your thermostat over to fan. As the ice starts to melt, make sure you have proper drainage and call Midwest Comfort Heating and Cooling^®. From dirty coils and filters to poorly designed ductwork, there are many things that can restrict airflow. A highly-qualified Midwest Comfort Team Member can check them all and get to the root of the problem.

Keep heat out of your home by closing blinds, shades and draperies that cover windows facing the sun. Close coverings on east-facing windows in the morning and west-facing windows in the afternoon. Also, installing shades or blinds that are white reflects heat away from the house. This will keep you cooler and save energy.

Keep your outdoor air conditioning unit cooler by planting trees or shrubs that provide shade but still allow air to flow around unit. By properly shading the area, your system can perform up to 10% more efficiently. Also, be sure the landscaping isn’t too close to the unit, so proper airflow is maintained.

Don’t let heat build up in your home. Appliances, electronic devices and lighting are all common sources of internal heat gain. To combat this excess heat, avoid putting lamps or televisions near your air conditioner’s thermostat. These heat-exuding appliances cause the air conditioner to think the house is warmer than it really is, resulting in the system running longer than necessary and wasting energy.

The best defense against air conditioner problems is to have a service agreement in place and make sure your system is maintained year-round, especially right before the heavy heat of summer sets in. This is the time of year when your air conditioning system works its hardest. Regular tune-ups reduce your risk of experiencing common malfunctions and will help you stay cool when everyone else is sweating the heat. Call Midwest Comfort Heating and Cooling^® for a complete air conditioner tune-up.

If after implementing these summer air conditioning tips, your home still feels too warm, contact Midwest Comfort Heating and Cooling^®to schedule a maintenance inspection.

How Much Does AC Service Cost?

The cost of your AC repair or installation depends on the layout of your home and the circumstances involved. For that reason, we cannot provide quotes over the phone. But giving us a call is enough will get you scheduled for HVAC service in the Arlington Heights and Elk Grove Village area.

How Long Will My AC Unit Last?

While the lifespan of a new AC unit varies based on make and model, most will last between 10 and 15 years. Some systems, however, can last over 20 years if properly maintained. A lot of this, however, depends on how much you use your air conditioner. That doesn’t mean, however, that you should wait for it to break. Old units are often inefficient and expensive to repair. Being proactive about AC replacement is a great way to save money on your utility bills.

How Do I Know If My Furnace Is Under Warranty?

You'll want to start by finding out when your unit was produced. There's usually a visible production label on the machine—the placement of it varies by brand and model. Once you have that, look up the manufacturer's warranty and see if yours falls within eligible dates. Note that some HVAC companies offer their own no-lemon and installation guarantees that go beyond what the factory offers.

How Often Should I Check My Air Filters?

You'd be amazed how many HVAC problems are caused by someone forgetting to change their air filter. If you use a 1-inch disposable filter, we suggest replacing those monthly. For people with a 4-inch system, two changes a year is often enough.

What Do I Do When My Air Conditioner or Furnace Quits?

If everything else in your home is working fine, it’s time to call Elk Grove Village’s HVAC experts—Midwest Comfort Heating & Cooling. If it’s an emergency, we’ll try our best to schedule service within 24 hours.

What's the Difference Between an Air Conditioner and a Heat Pump?

There's one main difference between these two pieces of cooling equipment. Unlike AC units, which need a furnace to provide year-round customer, heat pumps can both heat and cool a home. Note, however, that they sometimes need to be paired with an electric heater in areas that see temperatures below freezing.

When Should I Have My Furnace or AC Serviced?

In the Elk Grove Village area, we recommend getting your HVAC equipment serviced before the start of each season. In other words, AC maintenance should be done at the beginning of spring while furnace tune-ups are best done in the fall.

What Are EERs and BTUs?

You might hear our HVAC technician use these acronyms and not know what they mean. A BTU—a British Thermal Unit—is a measurement of heat. An Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS), meanwhile, is a guideline used to represent the energy efficiency of an HVAC system.

My Air Conditioning Bills Are High. Is There Something I Can Do?

Aside from replacing your air conditioner with a more efficient one, you can try installing blackout curtains, replacing old insulation, and sealing windows. Installing a whole-house or ceiling fan can also help reduce sticker shock. If you live in the Mount Prospect area, we’re happy to provide a home performance evaluation.

Should I Cover My AC Unit in the Winter?

If you want to avoid leaves and debris inside your AC unit, you can purchase a cover through your brand’s dealer. This is not necessary for heat pumps, however.

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