“Close the door, you’re letting all the cool air out!” This is something we’ve all heard our mothers yell at some point in our lives, as we open the door to a hot, humid and blisteringly bright day. Mom’s insistence on keeping the door shut isn’t just about keeping the home cooled to a comfortable level in the middle of summer, however—it’s also about saving money.
Cooling your home throughout the duration of summer isn’t cheap and as a result, many people do whatever they can to stretch their cooling dollars—even if that means keeping the front door shut at all costs! But keeping the hot temperatures at bay outside isn’t always easy if your home isn’t prepared to fend them off and as a result, inefficiency could be putting more strain on your AC unit.
Take a look at some tried and true methods to maximize your AC efficiency, courtesy of your HVAC contractor in Grand Junction, CO:
- Make sure your windows and doors are airtight around the seams and that they close securely when shut. Broken seals and unseen airways are going to be a major cause of temperature fluctuations in your home. Caulk off airways and make sure you’re having broken seals fixed right away.
- Make sure you’re calling an HVAC contractor in Grand Junction, CO for AC startup services and inspection before you’re using it on a regular basis. This will ensure your system gets off on a good foot and that it’s prepared to tackle the everyday workload that a scorching heat wave brings with it.
- If you’re home during the day (stay at home moms, telecommuters, etc.), close your blinds and shades appropriately as the sun moves across the sky. UV light is going to skyrocket temps in your home when it’s allowed through your windows and, in turn, it’ll force your AC unit to work harder.
- Keep your AC unit free of debris and foliage. When things get into your unit they’re going to cause wear and tear—stress that’s avoidable if you take the time to keep your unit clean and clear. Prune back shrubbery and do a cursory sweep for any debris that the wind might have blown in to keep things in good working order.
- Finally, as mom said, “close that door!” Keeping your windows and doors closed tight will prevent rapid forced air loss, which can cause your AC unit to work harder than ever to get things back to a comfortable temperature.
Not only will following the above tips keep your home comfortable all summer long, it’ll keep your cooling costs down, while also eliminating excess strain on your AC unit. All of this translates into peace of mind for you, since you’ll also cut down on the rate of maintenance for your unit. The less you have to see your HVAC contractor in Grand Junction, CO, the better!