When hot weather strikes, there is nothing better than stepping into the cool comfort of a well air-conditioned home. The last thing you want during the hottest months of the year is to have your HVAC system fail. That is why we are sharing with you our top 8 HVAC hot weather tips from homeowners!
Top 10 HVAC Hot Weather Tips for Homeowners
1. Keep it Clear
To keep your HVAC system running as efficiently as possible, you have to make sure that nothing is blocking the indoor or outdoor units. For the outside unit, clear away any dirt and debris from around the unit, so it doesn’t clog up the system. For the inside systems, keep furniture and carpeting away from grills and ductwork.
2. Block the Sun
You can help make your HVAC’s job a bit easier by blocking sunlight. By keeping your blinds, drapes, or shades closed to block the hot afternoon sun, you will keep your house naturally cooler.
3. Be Energy Efficient
Your HVAC is working hard to keep an ideal temperature. When you use energy-heavy appliances, you are pumping heat back into your home unnecessarily. Therefore, if possible, try to run your dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, and other big appliances once the sun has set.
4. Watch your Fans
This is a two-part tip! First, during the hottest parts of the days, keep your fans running. If you have a ceiling fan, make sure that it is spinning counterclockwise to receive a cool downdraft. A breeze will help make you feel cooler than you actually are and keeps the air circulating. Second, don’t overrun your exhaust fans! Exhaust fans pull the air-conditioning out of the home, wasting energy and money!
5. Program Everything
If you have a programmable thermostat or other smart appliances in your home, make sure to program them as energy-efficient as possible. For your smart thermostat, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends that you keep it at 78°F when you are away to save on energy costs and prevent heat-related problems from happening in your home. When you are scheduled to return, set the thermostat to start cooling down your home in advance so that it is at a comfortable temperature for you by the time you arrive.
6. Block Off Used Rooms
If you have rooms in your house that go unused, there is no need to waste air-conditioning on them. Close the vents most of the way so that the room receives enough conditioning to prevent any heat problems, but not enough that it goes to waste.
7. Use an Attic Ventilator
An attic ventilator pulls hot air out of your home, giving you a home cooling advantage. If you would like to install an attic ventilator in your home, reach out to your local HVAC professional for an estimate.
8. Get Regular Maintenance
HVAC units should receive maintenance annually to keep them in peak condition. Our HVAC specialists will ensure that your unit is running efficiently and will be able to catch any failing parts before you have a problem. Freon Doctor offers maintenance services to the Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, King George, Louisa Lake, Anna Lake, Richmond, Charlottesville, Central and Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. areas.