Summer weather in Pella can be rough. But you don’t have to make a choice between being comfortably cool and saving money on your utility bills. We’ve put together some tips to make it easy.
The top thing you can do to stay comfortable and maintain energy efficiency is by tending to your air conditioner. ENERGY STAR® suggests keeping your system operating reliably and efficiently, and Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating can make that simple. During an AC tune-up appointment, we’ll perform the following tasks recommended by ENERGY STAR and more:
- Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors to make sure there’s safe operation of your system and the chance of a longer lifespan for major components.
- Clean the air conditioner’s evaporator and condenser coils as required. Dirty coils require your system to work longer to do its job.
- Check system controls to be sure of accurate and safe operation.
- Inspect refrigerant levels.
- Clean and adjust blower components to be sure of correct system airflow.
Another key to remaining cool is consistently looking at your air conditioner’s air filter. A dirty filter may increase energy costs and damage your equipment, leading to premature failure. Our Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating professionals will look at these for you at your tune-up appointment, but you’ll want to take a look at the manufacturer’s recommendations to arrange your own schedule to switch them out.
Here are a handul of other tips to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient:
- Look at thermostat settings to be sure your air conditioner keeps you comfortable when you are home and saves energy while you are gone.
- If it is cool at night, you can turn off your air conditioner and open your windows. Let nature cool your home for you! In the morning, shut your windows and window coverings to trap 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 sure to run yours when you shower as well as 20 minutes or longer after you’re done to get rid of the heat and humidity from your house.
- Work to not leave lights on and running many appliances on the hottest days. Obviously, your stovetop and oven add heat into your home, but even everyday activities like watching TV, working on the computer, and drying or curling your hair can boost the heat in your home.
If you’d like extra ideas on how to keep your home cool and energy efficient this summer, give Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating at call at 641-628-3621 or request an appointment with us online.