Getting your air conditioner ready for summer is incredibly important. Following air conditioner tips for summer ensures you not only keep your home cool but also save money and energy in the process. You might also be wondering, “What temperature should I set my air conditioner in summer?”. This guide to summer AC prep has you covered on that and a multitude of other questions.
Air Conditioner Tips for Summer
There are many ways to save energy while cooling your house in the summer. From programmable thermostats to ceiling fans, the options are plentiful! This list focuses on prepping your AC unit for those hotter days so it can run as efficiently as possible. These tips include:
- Cleaning and replacing your filters to ensure optimal airflow.
- Clear debris from your unit to improve air quality and unit efficiency, and avoid bad smells.
- Check up on your refrigerant levels to catch possible leaks and make sure you’re covered for summer.
- Know what temperature to set your thermostat when it finally gets warm outside.
- Find the best ways to save on your cooling bills.
- Get a general checkup on your AC by an HVAC professional.
1. Replace Your Filters
While your AC sits unused, its filters collect debris. Dirty filters can blow dust into the air and emit bad smells. Regularly clean your reusable filters with a vacuum and wash them in water between services. A great tip for disposable filters is to write the date on them so you know when it’s time for its monthly replacement.
AC units come in all different shapes and sizes, whether it’s central air, a ductless mini-split system, or a window unit. Look up your unit model to find the best instructions on cleaning and replacing your filters.
2. Clean Your AC Unit
Getting your air conditioner ready for summer also means cleaning the unit itself. Plenty of guides can teach you how to safely clean your condenser and coils if needed. Make sure to dust your vents and the unit in general before turning it on.
3. Check Refrigerant Levels
When your AC unit is low on refrigerant, it won’t be able to cool your home as effectively. The less refrigerant there is, the less heat can transfer from inside your home to outside. When this problem gets out of hand, your AC unit can blow warm air throughout your home, which is the last thing you want on a hot summer day.
If you hear a hissing noise coming from your unit or are seeing higher-than-normal energy bills, your unit could be low on refrigerant. Make sure to get regular maintenance on your AC unit so you can spot low refrigerant before it becomes a problem. If it is a problem for you, contact an HVAC professional right away so you can stay cool this summer.
4. What Temperature Should I Set My Air Conditioner in Summer?
Getting your air conditioner ready for summer includes finding the perfect temperature. Many people ask us, “What temperature should I set my air conditioner in summer?”.
The short answer is 78 degrees, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. 78 degrees is typically the most comfortable temperature that is close enough to the outdoor climate to lower energy costs.
When nobody’s home, 85-88 degrees is suggested. Keep it under 85 if you have pets. The U.S. Department of Energy also recommends setting your thermostat between 80-82 at bedtime, since our body temperature lowers while we sleep.
These numbers are simply recommendations of what will save you the most money. The closer your indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the lower your bills will be. Feel free to experiment with your thermostat to find the most comfortable settings for you and your loved ones!
5. Plan to Save Money
Saving energy is not only friendly for your wallet, but also friendly for the environment. Aside from temperature settings, there are many ways to save energy while keeping your home cool.
Plan to utilize your ceiling fans this summer. Ceiling fans technically do not lower the temperature of a room, but they do make it feel 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to set your thermostat a bit warmer without sacrificing comfort. Be sure to turn off fans in any unoccupied rooms (other than humid bathrooms) to save more energy.
A programmable thermostat can help you ensure your AC unit isn’t working too hard while you’re not at home. Another tip to save energy is to take advantage of cooler summer nights and opt to open windows rather than use the AC.
6. Getting Air Conditioner Ready For Summer With a Checkup
One of the best air conditioner tips for summer is to recruit HVAC professionals to maintain your unit. Before it gets hot, you’ll want to get a licensed and certified expert to service your AC. Doing this ahead of the heat is important because HVAC companies will be extremely busy when summer starts and most people finally turn on their AC units.
When you get regular tune-ups and cleanings, your AC will work its best. Make sure you get a checkup before the days get hotter! Our talented team at Live Free Heating Cooling Electric performs 15-point inspections. We help you fix problems before they interfere with your cooling. Take advantage of our free estimates today! (terms apply)