Summertime – it’s a time of togetherness, warmth and fun. You might be planning a summer vacation, looking forward to spending more time with your kids now that they’re out of school, or planning to enjoy long, warm evenings perfect for grilling outdoors. Summer’s an amazing time of year, but it’s not so amazing for your HVAC system – your air conditioner can work overtime over the summer months, causing your electric bill to skyrocket, and other potential problems as well.
To keep your HVAC system fully functional, we recommend that you first make sure that you have your HVAC system professionally inspected before the heat of summer fully sets in. You may consider investing in a biannual maintenance plan with a reputable HVAC contractor. In this situation, your entire system will be inspected, cleaned and maintained during the spring and fall, helping ensure the best efficiency and heading off potential problems.
For homeowners interested in saving a bit of money on their summer electricity bill, there’s one simple step that should be followed. Move that thermostat up a notch or two. During the summer, most experts recommend that you move your thermostat up to 72 or so and leave it there. Just a degree or two can make a huge difference in your utility bills. You should also turn your HVAC system off when you’re not at home – when you’re on vacation, for instance. If you’re not comfortable turning it off completely, raise the thermostat up to 80 degrees to ensure that it only runs when absolutely necessary.
Finally, make sure you change your air filter regularly. Dirt, hair, pollen, bacteria and grime can build up very easily on your air filter, which reduces the unit’s ability to draw air. This makes the HVAC system work harder, immediately increasing your utility bills but also adding needless wear and tear to the system itself.
If you’re looking for a local HVAC professional, Local Contractor can help! Just fill out our form telling us a little about your needs, and we’ll get to work matching you with a trained professional in your area who will compete for your business!
