These days, having a reliable cooling system is more than a luxury. It’s a necessity.
Temperatures will be rising over the weeks ahead in Bloomfield, Maplewood, Summit and other northern New Jersey communities. Your home’s central air conditioning system will be working hard to maintain your accustomed comfort levels. But with a few simple actions, you can ensure that your equipment isn’t working harder than it needs to.
Here are six ways to improve your central A/C efficiency so that you can stay cool this summer without breaking the bank.
A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, making your air conditioning system work harder and consume more electricity to keep your home cool. To avoid this, check your filter at least once a month during peak usage and clean or replace it as needed.
Ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect, helping you feel cooler without lowering the temperature. This allows you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher during the day, saving on energy costs. Plus, running a ceiling fan costs only pennies per day, making it an incredibly cost-effective way to stay comfortable.
Boost your home’s cooling efficiency with a programmable or smart thermostat. Adjusting your thermostat by 7 to 10°F for at least eight hours a day can lower heating and cooling costs by up to 10%, according to the Department of Energy. Smart thermostats, such as the Honeywell REDLink, allow you to schedule these adjustments when you’re asleep or away and even monitor air quality. The smart thermostats we sell and install can also optimize energy usage during peak utility pricing to save you even more.
Direct sunlight streaming into your home can raise indoor temperatures significantly, forcing your A/C to work harder. Keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day to minimize heat gain and maintain a cooler indoor environment with less effort.
Your outdoor condenser unit needs unobstructed airflow to function efficiently. Ensure there’s at least 18 to 30 inches of clear space around it, and keep it free of debris like grass clippings and leaves. It’s also important not to stack hoses, gardening tools or anything else on top of this unit.
Much like regular car tune-ups, your air conditioning system requires yearly professional maintenance to perform at its best. Annual HVAC check-ups can ensure your equipment runs efficiently and reliably while also identifying potential issues before they turn into costly repairs. Schedule a visit with JW Pierson Co. to keep your system in top shape all year round.
JW Pierson Co. is the most trusted A/C service provider in New Jersey’s Essex, Passaic and Bergen Counties. Our team of HVAC experts is standing by to help you with your A/C maintenance needs, so contact us to schedule service.