Come summertime, we’re all torn between keeping cool and saving money. Here are a few tips on keeping your system running smoothly to help with both.
Seal Your Ducts
One of the keys to your A/C functioning at maximum efficiency is to ensure that all your ducts are sealed properly with sealants or metal and plastic bands suited to the task. Every bit of air that leaks out of your system makes it have to pull harder to move hot air through the system efficiently or deliver cold air back to the home.
Install a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat may sound like an indulgence, but it’s one of the few smart devices that truly pays for itself. A smart thermostat can be programmed only to keep the house cool when you’re there, reducing the amount of work that the A/C has to do throughout the day. It also helps you avoid using energy as much during peak hours, saving you energy bills.
Insulate Your House
Good insulation matters as much or more during the summer than in winter. The insulation in your walls helps your house to hold onto the temperature difference that your A/C has produced. In Pleasanton, CA, insulation level recommendations are around R38.
Change Your Filters Regularly
The dirtier your filter is, the harder your A/C has to pull to circulate air, which translates to higher bills. Changing your filters may seem like an onerous process and upfront cost, but doing it regularly will save you money in the long term.
Clean and Shade Your Compressor
Your compressor is doing a lot of work to pump heat out of your house, and if it’s in direct sunlight, it has to work so much harder. Your compressor should be in a shady, cool location as much as possible and should be cleaned regularly to keep it running smoothly.
If you want to upgrade your system’s efficiency or maintenance, reach out today.