Summer weather in Lake Forest can be a bear. But you don’t have to choose between being comfortably cool and saving money on your utility costs. We’ve compiled some tips to make it simple.
The greatest thing you can do to stay comfortable and maintain energy efficiency is by servicing your air conditioner. ENERGY STAR® recommends keeping your system operating dependably and efficiently, and 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. is able to assist. During an AC tune-up appointment, we’ll complete the following tasks suggested by ENERGY STAR and more:
- Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors to ensure safe operation of your system and the possibility of a longer lifecycle for major components.
- Clean the air conditioner’s evaporator and condenser coils as needed. Dirty coils require your system to work longer to do its job.
- Check system controls to ensure proper and safe operation.
- Inspect refrigerant levels.
- Clean and adjust blower components to assure accurate system airflow.
Another key to remaining cool is regularly looking at your air conditioner’s air filter. A dirty filter can boost energy expenses and damage your equipment, which could lead to untimely failure. Our 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. experts will inspect these for you at your tune-up appointment, but you’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to arrange your own schedule to switch them out.
Here are some other tips to keep your home cool and energy-efficient:
- Look at thermostat settings to make sure your air conditioner keeps you cool when you are home and saves energy while you are away.
- If it is cool at night, you can turn off your air conditioner and open your windows. Let the crisp air cool your home for you! In the morning, shut your windows and window coverings to retain the cool air and block the sun’s heat.
- Take advantage of fans. An ENERGY-STAR ceiling fan will allow you to set your thermostat a tad higher than you regularly would without noting any changes in your comfort level.
- Another type of fan people often forget about when they’re working to keep cool is their bathroom ventilation fan. Make certain to run yours when you shower as well as 20 minutes or longer after you’re done to take care of the heat and humidity from your home.
- Try not to leave lights on and running many appliances on the hottest days. Obviously, your stovetop and oven are adding heat into your home, but even everyday activities like watching TV, working on the computer, and drying or curling your hair can up the heat in your home.
If you’d like more ideas on how to keep your home cool and energy efficient this summer, give 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. at call at 949-204-0859 or request an appointment with us online.