Get the Most Out of your Air Conditioning This Summer

With better building products and technologies, most homes are not built for natural ventilation. Rather they are built for better insulation and energy efficiency. What this means is it is more difficult to make it through the summer without some form of air conditioning. Unfortunately, that uses a lot of electricity and can drive up energy bills. From sealing off leaks to getting air conditioning repair in Cupertino, CA, here are some of our best tips to help get the most out of your HVAC system this summer:

Seal the Leaks

The last thing you want to do is lose your cool air to the outside. So before the summer heat rolls in take the time to check your windows, doors, and any other fenestrations for air leaks. You can pay to get an energy audit from a professional. Or you can run a quick leak test on your own. Simply close all the exterior doors and windows to your home and run the exhaust fans. Then light a candle or an incense stick and pass it around window and door frames. If the flame or smoke pulls inward then you likely have an air leak. In most cases, you can seal it off by replacing caulk, insulation, or weather stripping.

Keep the Sun Out

Heat transfer is another factor that drives up energy costs. A good way to prevent this is with energy efficient windows. They have multiple panes and glazing options specifically designed to block radiant heat. But if you don’t have these upgrades you can still insulate your windows with drapes, blinds, shades, or shutters. Choose thicker materials or insulating cellular shades that will trap heat at the window and not allow it inside your home.

Use Ceiling Fans

Ventilation is important if you want to keep your home cool. During cooler parts of the day open the windows and run ceiling fans counterclockwise. This will help circulate the cool air and does not take nearly as much energy as running the air conditioning.

Replace Air Filters and Clean the Ducts

For your HVAC system to run efficiently there has to be enough airflow. Clogged filters and ducts not only inhibit airflow to your home but also can put excess strain on your air conditioner. So you want to check your air filters once a month during peak use and swap them out of they get clogged. You should also schedule a duct cleaning every three to five years.

Get Routine Air Conditioning Repair

If you don’t get annual maintenance on your air conditioning it is time to make a change. These routine services keep your system running efficiently, reduce the risk of break downs, and prolongs the life of your air conditioning.

To get in air conditioning repair in Cupertino, CA before summer hits call Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning. We are conveniently located at 1045 N 10th St., San Jose, CA 95112. We can get your system up and running so you can get the most out of your air conditioning this summer. Call (408) 978-7060 to set up an appointment.