Extremes in temperature can greatly affect your indoor comfort level and with the hot temps we’ve had this summer, air conditioning systems are getting a workout. Below are the top 3 ways to help combat these hot temps, remain comfortable in your home and even save you money!
Maintaining your cooling system annually is one of the best ways to ensure your comfort. Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort. When your air conditioner is running well it uses less energy to cool your home, and lower energy use means bigger savings for you on your monthly utility bills. Air conditioners at peak efficiency will use up to 20% less electricity and last years longer (requiring less repair). A well-managed system ensures a more comfortable home for you and your family.
Did you ever wonder, “What makes it feel so hot – is it the heat or the humidity?” I remember last summer sitting by the pool with friends and one of them said, “You know it wouldn’t be so bad out here if it weren’t so humid.” Heat and humidity are a very uncomfortable combination, however, it’s humidity that most affects your body’s ability to cool itself. Your body is cooled when you sweat and the sweat evaporates off of your body. When the concentration of water vapor in the air, or humidity, is high it affects the potential for evaporative cooling. Basically, there is too much moisture in the air and the sweat on your body can’t evaporate.
Modern heating and cooling systems offer integrated humidifier and dehumidifier options. You can now control the humidity in your whole home and by controlling humidity levels you can greatly increase the comfort of your home. In the summer by decreasing the level of humidity in your home your home will feel cooler allowing you to turn down your air conditioning. And turning down the air conditioning means lower utility bills for you!
A third way to increase your comfort is to check your air filter on a monthly basis and replace when needed. Dirty filters will slow down airflow and make your system work harder to keep you cool, essentially wasting energy and increasing energy bills. This restricted airflow if left unchecked, can lead to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure. A clean filter, however, will help prevent dust and dirt build-up in the system, ensuring a consistent, comfortable airflow.
Indoor comfort is a priority for us all. With proper system maintenance or potential system upgrades you can increase your comfort, save money and be prepared during these extreme hot temps!
Sources:
www.smartmoney.com
www.lindstromair.com