Eight Ways to Get the Most from Your AC This Summer

After a late arrival, summer 2019 is here in all its hot, sticky glory – and your central air conditioner is no doubt working around the clock to keep you comfortable in your Maryland home.

One of the downsides of your cooling system operating 24/7 is that energy bills can mount quickly. If you want to keep those bills as low as possible, try these eight tips:

1. Change your filters regularly – Check your AC filters it at least once a month during the summer (especially if you have pets or are a smoker) to keep your home cooling system working at its best. Running your AC with a clogged air filter can cause problems ranging from decreased efficiency to a cooling system breakdown.
2. Use a programmable thermostat – Keeping your house temperature just a few degrees warmer when you’re not home or sleeping can save you as much as 10 percent on your cooling bills – enough to offset the cost of installation in a single season.
3. Use a ceiling fan – Ceiling fans can make a big difference in how cool you feel in your home – especially when your A/C is running. You can set your thermostat 3-4 degrees warmer with a ceiling fan running without losing any comfort – and much more economically.
4. Install window treatments – Invest in high quality window treatments, such as reflecting blinds or drapes, to cover larger, sun-exposed areas in your Maryland home.
5. Cool only where you need to – Clear vent-blocking items such as furniture, artwork, and draperies. Open vents only in rooms that need the most cooling; close them in basements and unused rooms. Consider installing a zone controller to regulate the distribution of cold air, or install a ductless AC unit to supplement your central air conditioner.
6. Avoid using heat-producing appliances – Take advantage the summer heat by drying clothes and cooking meals outside – that way your AC won’t have to overcome the heat your dryer and stove produce.
7. Get professional AC maintenance – A cooling system tune-up is probably the most important investment you can make in your AC equipment. Without it, expect to lose five percent or more of your cooling efficiency each year.
8. Upgrade your old AC – If your current air conditioner is more than 10 years old, replacing it with a new high efficiency air conditioner can really save you money in the long run. An older system could be operating at or below SEER rating of 8 (SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is a metric used to measure the amount of electricity needed to provide a specific cooling result). Today, federal of law requires a minimum of a 13 SEER rating for cooling systems sold in Maryland – which means you’ll use 30 percent less energy when you upgrade your old equipment.

Whether you’re ready for an AC upgrade or just need an AC tune-up or repair, Carroll Home Services is here for you. Contact us today for expert air conditioning equipment installations or service for your MD home!

For everything you need in home heating, trust the pros at Carroll Home Services – keeping Maryland homes warm for more than a century! Contact us to get started today!