It’s August, and that means the temperature is rising, which can make the air conditioning in your home a little more important than usual. Flushing Heating and Air Conditioning is here to help you with your AC problems, but we can also give you tips for now. That’s why we’ve compiled our best tips for keeping cool this month.
We don’t want to be too alarmist, but if you don’t do regular maintenance on your AC unit, it will not work properly. We really can’t stress this enough: regular maintenance is important, like heating and air maintenance.
If you’re interested in avoiding expensive repairs and having a cool end of the summer, making sure that your air conditioner works like it’s supposed to is definitely worth doing. In fact, it behooves you to do so! The following are the 10 best AC tips for you to have a cool summer this August.
- Clean the condenser coil regularly by brushing off any leaves or debris.
Check for leaks by spraying soapy water around all of its joints; if bubbles form anywhere on the system, there’s a leak that needs fixing ASAP! When it comes to repairing this kind of component, make sure to seek a certified technician. We at Flushing Heating and Air Conditioning can help you.
- Change your air filters.
Changing your air filter is a simple way to keep your AC running efficiently, as well as extend its life by years. The average home should have its filters changed every three months, but if you live in a dusty area or have pets, you may need to change them more often. Changing the filter regularly will help keep dust and other pollutants out of your system so it can run smoothly and efficiently.
The type of filter you use depends on several factors: the size of your system (compact vs the whole house), how much maintenance you want to do yourself, and what kind of space you’re trying to cover with airflow.
- Check your air ducts.
If you’ve lived in your home for a while, you’re probably familiar with the sound of the air conditioner kicking on. But if it has been making more noise than normal or taking longer to cool down the house, it might be time to check on your HVAC system.
If there are any leaks in your ducts, they will need to be fixed before they cause even more damage that could lead to having to replace parts of the system entirely. It’s also important to make sure that there is enough insulation surrounding each duct so that hot air isn’t escaping into other areas of your home while cooling down one area at a time instead of overall cooling an entire room or building.
- Run fans in conjunction with your AC.
You might be surprised to learn that modern AC has a lot in common with the ancient air conditioning systems of the world. The two main components of your home’s HVAC system are the blower and the evaporator coil, both of which work together to cool your home or office. The blower pushes hot air through coils in order to exchange heat with cooler outside air. In summer, this process moves warm indoor air outdoors (where it can be dissipated).
The key here is keeping circulation moving so that hot spots don’t form and cool areas aren’t left untouched by your AC unit. This can be difficult for those who live in small spaces where heat tends to congregate around appliances like microwaves or televisions—but thankfully, there are other ways for you to keep yourself cool this August! One option is running fans in conjunction with your AC unit; another option is taking advantage of natural ventilation by opening windows or turning on ceiling fans during peak hours when temperatures tend toward extreme highs outside (think late afternoon).
- Turn off the AC and open the windows when it’s not super hot out.
August is a great time to turn off your AC and open your windows. Not only will you save money on energy costs, but you’ll also let in the fresh air and get a nice breeze flowing through the house. Even if you can’t bear to leave the cool comfort of your central air conditioning system, try opening up as many windows as possible while keeping them shut during peak daytime hours (10 am – 6 pm). If it’s still too hot outside after all this, invest in a window fan or portable AC unit; both will help keep things cool without raising your monthly utility bill too much.
- Make sure you have a programmable thermostat installed, and use it.
You’ve probably heard how a programmable thermostat can save you money on your utility bills, but did you know that it can also help you save energy?
It’s true! If you are away from home during the day and don’t need that AC running at full blast, turning down the temperature before leaving will reduce the amount of energy used while saving money. And suppose there are times when it’s too hot or humid to be comfortable without air conditioning. In that case, having a programmable thermostat will allow you to set different temperatures for different times of day (and night). This is especially useful in summer months when it’s hot outside but still possible for everyone to get restful sleep at night if the house isn’t over-cooled.
- Keep doors and windows closed when the AC is running.
There’s a simple reason for this: if you keep doors and windows closed, the AC will have to work less hard because it’s not losing as much cool air to your home. But if you keep them open, the AC has to work harder because it’s trying to cool down more of your home with less cool air available. The higher temperature outside makes things even tougher for your AC system, so keeping them closed is absolutely key!
- Insulate any spaces that are difficult to keep cool.
- Insulate any spaces that are difficult to keep cool. Between the temperatures outside and your home’s current insulation level, it can be hard to beat the heat. Here are some ways to improve that:
- Seal cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings with caulk. This will help prevent hot air from getting into your home and provide a layer of insulation.
- Use a dehumidifier in basements or other rooms where humidity tends to accumulate; this helps reduce the amount of moisture you need to cool down during extreme heat spells like those we’ll see this summer.
- Keep windows closed when possible; having fewer openings means less hot air can escape from inside your home, and more cold air can come in during cooler times of day (or night).
- Cook outside, clean with vinegar, etc. and keep heat-emitting activities away from the AC.
When cooking, be aware that your kitchen can get really warm. If you don’t want to end up with a hot kitchen, turn on the AC while you cook.
Cleaning with vinegar and baking soda instead of bleach can help keep bacteria at bay during humid months.
Keep heat-emitting activities like drying laundry, doing laundry, or running a clothes dryer away from the AC unit in your home.
Close windows and doors when you’re cooking or running any other heat-emitting activities, so they’re not sucking warm air out of your home.
- Clean up around the outside unit.
Check the drainage system to make sure it’s draining properly—and not overflowing onto your property! If you want to have an easy fix, you can always find a reliable AC service and maintenance.
These tips can help keep your home cool and ensure that your AC continues to work well through the end of summer. They are not just for the end of summer; they should be done all year round. These simple actions can help you save money on your energy bills; they can help you save time by ensuring that when it comes time to use your AC unit, it will be fully operational and ready for use!
We can’t wait for the return of cooler weather and longer days. But in the meantime, there are plenty of things you can do to make your home comfortable this summer. Follow these tips from expert AC technicians and homeowners alike, and you’ll be enjoying a cool home all season long!
If you’re seeking the best air conditioning services, we at Flushing Heating and Air Conditioning can be of help.
Give Flushing Heating and Air Conditioning a call right now, and we promise to help you with your air conditioning system right away. We always ensure our clients receive only the best possible service.
