Don’t Forfeit Efficiency for Comfort in Beaufort, SC

In Beaufort, SC, summer has arrived, bringing long days with hot, humid weather. While you could run your AC all day, every day, this lowers the efficiency of your system. Here are seven ways to increase efficiency without sacrificing comfort.

Clean Your Air Filter

Air filters trap pollen, pet dander, dust and other particulates and prevent them from circulating in your home’s air. As a result, air filters help keep your indoor air quality levels higher than if you didn’t have them.

While you’re likely concerned about outdoor air quality, the EPA notes that indoor air quality is often two to five times worse. Not only that, but a clean air filter keeps your system running efficiently and reduces wear and tear. This saves you money in the long run.

Close the Curtains

You might open the curtains or blinds in order to let sunlight into your home and enjoy the warmth. However, this raises the temperature within your home and works against your air conditioner.

To reduce the length of time your AC runs and to help keep your living space cooler, close the blinds and curtains on windows receiving direct or indirect sunlight, and raise the coverings on other windows. This helps to keep your home cooler while allowing some light into the rooms.

Ensure Proper AC Size

Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to the size of your air conditioner. If you have an air conditioner that’s too small for your home, it won’t cool your home adequately.

If you have one that’s too large for your needs, you’ll see your energy bills rise, and the oversize air conditioner won’t cool your home properly. You’ll also notice that your oversize AC doesn’t remove humidity as it should, and it will repeatedly cycle without properly cooling your home.

Humidity Control Helps

Part of the job of your air conditioner is to cool your home, but it has another job as well. The air conditioner’s refrigeration process removes humidity through condensation, which drains out of the unit through the condensate pan and line.

If your air conditioner can’t keep up with humidity removal, then it’s time to invest in a dehumidifier. The EPA states that indoor humidity levels should be between 30% and 50%.

Keep the Air Conditioner Cool

While your AC keeps you cool during the hot summer months, it helps to return the favor. First, make sure your AC system is in a location that’s never in direct sunlight and has proper shading.

While you can use screens and landscaping to block sunlight on your AC unit, they can’t be within two feet of it. If they were any closer, they wouldn’t allow adequate airflow.

Keep That Magic Number With a Programmable Thermostat

While you probably want to keep your home as cool as possible, this can cause your utility bills to rise. It’s best to keep your thermostat between 74 and 78 degrees. This not only increases your energy efficiency but makes sure you remain comfortable while you’re saving energy.

A new, programmable thermostat helps greatly when it comes to keeping your system efficient. A programmable thermostat will allow you to keep your home a bit warmer while you’re away and cool it down to a comfortable level before you arrive home.

Maintenance Is a Must

Let our technicians provide regular maintenance to your HVAC system to ensure maximum efficiency. A professional technician checks your filters, ductwork and other components to make sure they’re functioning properly.

A technician also makes repairs as needed to maintain the long-term functioning of your HVAC system. One of our technicians can recommend products that help improve your home comfort as well.

It’s not wise to keep your AC system running for long periods without having a technician check on it. Contact M&B Heating and Air today to sign up for our Cool Club HVAC Maintenance Plan to keep your HVAC system happy and running for a long time.

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