As summer heat starts to rise, it’s our job at Wyckoff Heating & Cooling to ensure you don’t notice a difference indoors. No matter the temperature outside, your in-home comfort should remain consistent. Consider a few of Wyckoff’s summer tips so you can play it cool indoors, while the summer sizzles outside.
- Get the most from your cooling system by keeping shades, blinds, windows and doors closed during the day. Up to 30 percent of unwanted heat comes from your windows, and utilizing shades and curtains can save you up to 7 percent on your bills and lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees.
- Set your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise and save up to 25 percent on electric bills.Whether you know it or not, your ceiling fan needs to be adjusted seasonally. The standard human comfort range in the summer is between 72 and 78 degrees F. To extend the comfort range to higher thermostat settings, simply set your fans counter-clockwise at a higher speed to produce a breeze effect.
- Ditch the incandescent lights. Incandescent bulbs waste about 90 percent of their energy in the heatthey emit. Replacing them with LED or CFLs can make a difference in cooling your home and lowering your electric bill.
- Seal all air conditioner ducts, and insulate ducts that run through unheated basements, crawl spaces and attics. Seal leaks around doors and windows by caulking or weather-stripping.
- Invest in shade. Outside shade can reduce your air conditioning costs up to 30 percent. Shade on the east and west sides of your home is the most crucial. Properly shading your air conditioner can also help your system perform up to 10 percent more efficiently.
- Minimize activities that generate heat, such as running your dishwasher, washing machine and dryer; using your oven; utilizing hair dryers; and even taking hot showers and baths. Air drying when possible can alleviate moisture and heat build-up.
- Don’t let heat from lights, appliances and electronics build up in your home. Turn off lights and electronics when you leave the room and avoid putting lamps or televisions near your air conditioner’s thermostat.
- Set your thermostat to as high as comfortably possible (always on auto, not fan), especially during the hours you are at work, away on the weekend or on vacation. A programmable thermostat is a great option for adjusting the temperature in your home without having to take time to change it daily.
- Change your AC filter regularly, at least four times a year, to ensure fluid air flow. Restricted air flow can result in increased electric bills and costly repairs. This will also provide peace of mind knowing the air your family is breathing is clean and filtered.
- If you have an older central air conditioner, consider replacing the outdoor compressor with a modern, high-efficiency unit. Summer is also an ideal time to check refrigerant levels prior to a rise in price. Learn more about what the current refrigerant phase out means to your HVAC system by clicking on the following link: https://wyckoffcomfort.com/what-does-the-r-22-refrigerant-phase-out-mean-for-your-hvac-system/
- If you decide to invest in a new air conditioner, be sure to go for high-efficiency. For room air conditioners, the energy efficiency ratio (EER) rating should be above 10; for central air conditioners, look for a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating above 12.
- Maintain your air conditioner properly to maximize efficiency. Take advantage of Wyckoff’s Peace of Mind planned service program. Save 10 percent on regular service rates and have a certified technician inspect your HVAC system twice annually. Regular tune-ups reduce your risk of experiencing common malfunctions. For warning signs that your HVAC systems needs a tune-up, visit the following link: is-your-air-conditioner-asking-for-a-check-up/.
Be sure you keep your family cool this summer, no matter the temperature outdoors. Contact Wyckoff Heating & Cooling today.