Tips to Maximize Your AC Efficiency During Summer in Milford

When you run the air conditioner 24/7 during the summer, you might worry about using too much energy and raising your electricity bill. Use these practical tips to maximize AC efficiency for the upcoming summer in Milford, MA.

Schedule Seasonal Maintenance

Before the start of summer in Milford, hire one of our HVAC technicians at Tingley Home Services to inspect and maintain your air conditioner. A yearly tune-up identifies small problems, like a loose hose or clogged drain, that could cause larger and costlier problems later. It also helps your AC run more efficiently. Join a program like the Tinsley Advantage Plan to save time and hassle while saving money on AC maintenance.

Change the Air Filters

Help your air conditioning unit work more efficiently by changing its air filters. Remove and replace them every two to three months. Regular air filter changes prevent your unit from overworking and using too much energy to keep your home cool.

Change the Direction of Your Ceiling Fans

Once summer arrives, change the direction of your ceiling fans. Run them in a counterclockwise direction to push cool air down and improve air circulation in your home. You should feel a strong breeze when you stand directly under your ceiling fan.

Service the Ductwork

Before you turn on your AC for the summer, hire one of our technicians at Tingley Home Services to inspect and service your system’s ductwork. After a long winter, the ductwork could have holes in it or come loose.

These openings let in humidity and warm air during the summer and force your air conditioner to work harder. Repairing or replacing damaged ductwork helps your unit run more efficiently.

Test and Calibrate the Thermostat

One of our HVAC technicians can also test and recalibrate your thermostat as needed. The thermostat plays a key role because it tells you what the air temperature is in your home.

If it misreads the temperature, you might set the AC’s thermostat too low, causing the system to use more energy than needed. Recalibrating the thermostat ensures it reads the air temperature accurately and works reliably.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

You also have the option of upgrading to a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats save you money and lower your home’s carbon footprint because they allow you to create customized cooling schedules. They also allow you to monitor your energy use and adjust the thermostat remotely.

Keep Your Blinds and Curtains Closed

Keep your blinds and curtains closed during the daytime to promote better air conditioning efficiency. Sunlight coming in through the windows raises your home’s internal temperature.

To compensate, your AC unit works harder to keep your house cool. Blocking out the light and heat reduces the energy your air conditioner uses.

You also have the option of using energy-efficient film on your windows. Use this film on windows that face east or west to block out excessive sunlight and heat. You will find it at most hardware and home improvement stores.

Avoid Using Heat-Producing Appliances

Wait until dusk to use heat-producing appliances during the summer. Turning on your oven or running the dryer creates heat inside your house.

The AC must work harder to keep your home’s air at the set thermostat temperature. Lower your cooling bills and keep your house cooler by waiting to use these appliances until later in the day.

Check and Replace Insulation

Before summer arrives, check the insulation in your home. Damaged or old insulation lets heat come in from the outside and cold air escape from the inside. During your AC checkup, our HVAC technicians can tell you if you need to replace or add more insulation to improve your unit’s efficiency.

Avoid Blocking the Air Vents

Make sure you don’t block the air conditioner’s air vents. Objects like boxes and furniture that block them cause your system to work harder to blow out cold air. This increased exertion uses more energy, resulting in higher cooling bills.

Clean and Shade the Outdoor Unit

After a long winter, the outdoor HVAC unit might need cleaning. Debris such as dirt, dust and weeds accumulate on the outside unit, preventing it from drawing in air efficiently. A professional air conditioner tune-up typically involves inspecting and cleaning it.

Consider shading the outside unit as well. Shading it improves unit efficiency and reduces energy use. This cover can include an awning or a well-placed tree or a shrub.

Ensure the unit has enough space to function normally. Do not use a cover or vegetation that will block the unit’s airflow and reduce its efficiency rather than improve it.

Clean the Air Vents

Inspect and clean the vents inside your house. Like the outdoor unit, debris such as dirt, dust and hair can accumulate inside the vents.

Over time, the debris forms clogs that impede the airflow inside your house. Our HVAC technicians will inspect and clean them out to help your unit work better.

Improve Your Landscaping

You can also help your AC unit work more efficiently by improving your landscaping. Planting shrubs and trees close to the windows that face east and west helps block out sunlight and heat.

Likewise, spread mulch and plant ground-cover plants around the areas close to your home. Mulch and ground-cover plants reduce heat and help keep your house cooler. Alternatively, rocks and pavement retain heat and could make the inside of your home warmer.

Run the AC Only When Necessary

Use your air conditioner during the warmest parts of the day. When the temperature is cooler, turn off the AC, open the windows and run fans to keep your house cool. Reducing the amount of time you use it helps save money on your cooling bills and reduces your home’s monthly energy consumption.

Keep the Inside Doors Open

Cool air needs to circulate throughout your house to reduce the amount of energy your cooling unit uses. Keep the bathroom and bedroom doors open during the warmest times of the day.

Upgrade to a New AC System

Consider upgrading your air conditioner to a more energy-efficient unit. Air conditioners older than 15 to 20 years typically use more energy than their newer counterparts.

They also lack the modern technology like smart thermostats that make new ACs more efficient. One of our HVAC technicians from Tingley Home Services can install a new AC unit for you.

Use Zoned Cooling

Zoned cooling offers you an innovative and easy way to reduce your energy consumption during the summer. Cool only the rooms that you and your family use the most during the day.

Avoid spending money cooling every part of your home, especially areas like the utility room or guest bedroom where you may not spend as much time. Choose a mini-split system from Tingley Home Services to create cooling zones in your home.

Rely on Us for Energy-Efficient Cooling This Summer

At Tingley Home Services, we have more than 20 years of experience helping customers in the Milford area with expert HVAC services to keep their homes cool while saving money during the summer. Our business has an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. We also have favorable ratings on Angi.

Contact Tingley Home Services to learn about our energy-efficient AC services today.