AC units are highly complex systems made up of many components that work together to cool your home. HVAC equipment is essential for maintaining comfort and efficiency in all types of buildings. It takes expert care to maintain and repair your AC when the time comes. You may want to try your hand at making small repairs or tweaks to the unit, but that’s not always safe. However, you can take steps to boost the efficiency and extend the life of your unit at the same time. Having air quality solutions installed in various buildings, including homes and offices, is important to ensure optimal performance and healthier indoor environments. The EPA names source control as the best strategy to reduce indoor air pollution, making it a key consideration for maintaining healthier air.
When you need maintenance or repair for your air conditioning in Weatherford, TX, we can help. But what if your AC is running great or at least seems like it is? In that case, it’s still smart to follow energy-saving tips to keep it that way. Regular care, like that described in how AC maintenance saves you money, is crucial to long-term performance, and proper installation and maintenance of hvac equipment supports long-term air quality solutions.
Tip #1: Adjust Your Thermostat for Summer Savings
It’s hot in the summer, and there’s no way around that. But when you’re in the comfort of your own home you want just that to be comfortable. Your AC plays a huge role in that by cooling your home. Many homeowners set their thermostats to 71°F, if not lower. But how much could you save by increasing the temperature by a few degrees when you’re home?
The answer is a lot! The exact amount depends on factors like the size of your home, its insulation, and the outdoor temperature. And when you’re away from home you can turn your thermostat up to 88°F. Then when you get home the temperature is bearable and you can lower it down to a more comfortable temperature. Adjusting your thermostat settings strategically is one of the easiest ways to boost energy efficiency.
Tip #2: Combine Fans with AC for Better Efficiency
Ceiling fans and plug-in fans are a great way to make your home feel cooler. They don’t require a lot of energy to run and can make the air feel cooler even with higher temperatures. Fans move air around the room creating an indoor breeze. You can set your thermostat a little higher, turn on your fans, and feel cool all day long. Plus, you’ll save on your energy bills and alleviate some of the strain on your system.
Remember, you can still save energy by increasing the temperature some of the time. When you want to feel cooler, it won’t hurt to turn your AC down a bit. By implementing these tips even part of the time, you can see a difference.
Tip #3: Change Filters for Cleaner Air and Lower Costs
Your air filter is designed to trap dust and contaminants so they don’t get into your AC unit and the air you breathe. Air cleaners and purifiers are designed to remove particulate matter, pollen, bacteria, mold, viruses, and airborne pathogens from indoor air, providing an essential layer of protection for healthier air. When you leave your filter in for longer than be advised that you risk those particles entering your AC unit and circulating back through the air you breathe. This can lead to system damage, strain on the unit, and experiencing allergies or illness more often. If you ignore filter changes for too long, it can lead to system inefficiencies and health issues. Source control is also essential as a primary strategy for improving indoor air quality by reducing or eliminating pollution sources. Indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, making regular maintenance and air quality solutions even more critical. Maintenance is the key to a cool summer and includes tasks like timely filter replacements. Keeping your system clean not only improves air quality but also boosts energy efficiency and system longevity.
Make sure you note the date you changed out the filter so you know when it’s time to change it again. Check the filter as early as a week before to see how it looks. If it’s full of dirt and dust, change the filter early. Maintaining proper humidity levels is essential for both comfort and the effectiveness of air cleaners and purifiers. The small cost of changing your air filter more frequently can extend the life of your AC and improve overall air quality. In the past few years, there have been significant advancements and updated recommendations regarding air cleaners and purifiers to further enhance indoor air quality. Advanced air cleaning solutions can benefit the entire facility, not just individual rooms, and are essential for achieving healthier air in homes and offices.
Tip #4: Optimize Ventilation for Better Air and Efficiency
When it comes to improving indoor air quality (IAQ) and boosting your AC’s energy efficiency, optimizing ventilation is a game-changer. Good ventilation helps bring in fresh outdoor air, which dilutes indoor air pollutants like dust, chemicals, and airborne particulates that can build up in your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), increasing ventilation is one of the most effective ways to reduce indoor air pollution and create a healthier environment for your family. Whole-home ventilation systems bring outdoor air into your home while removing indoor air pollution, further enhancing air quality and comfort.
Proper ventilation doesn’t just mean opening a window now and then. It’s about ensuring a steady flow of clean air throughout your entire house or building, which helps remove stale air and maintain good air quality. This is especially important during activities that generate more indoor air pollutants, such as cooking, cleaning, or painting. By letting fresh air in and pushing contaminants out, you can reduce the risk of airborne illnesses and improve the overall well-being of everyone in your space.
Optimizing ventilation can also help lower your energy costs. When your home has good air flow, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature, which means less strain on your equipment and more energy efficiency. Consider upgrading your HVAC system to include a dedicated ventilation component, installing a whole-house ventilation system, or adding a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) to maximize both air quality and efficiency. Even simple steps like using window fans or strategically opening doors and windows can make a noticeable difference. Additionally, UV lamps can kill mold and bacteria, which can grow on the evaporator/cooling coil in the HVAC system, further improving air quality and system performance.
With the average person spending up to 90% of their time indoors, improving indoor air quality is more important than ever. IAQ experts recommend taking proactive steps to address poor ventilation and invest in IAQ solutions that fit your home or office. Not only will you enjoy cleaner air and a more comfortable living environment, but you’ll also support better health, productivity, and long-term savings on energy bills. By making ventilation a priority, you’re creating a healthier, more efficient space for your family or building occupants, one that’s ready to take on the challenges of summer and beyond. The U.S. EPA estimates that the average person receives 72 percent of their chemical exposure at home, highlighting the importance of addressing indoor air quality issues.
Contact Don’s AC Service, Inc today for your HVAC and indoor air quality needs!