The Summer is Coming – Is Your AC Prepared?
Would you rather spend your hard-earned money on summer vacation, cookouts and spending pleasant evenings out on the patio or paying your energy bills?
Obviously, you’d prefer not to spend more than you have to to keep your home cool this summer.
Did you know that simply by getting your A/C unit ready for the hot season ahead, you’ll be saving money right from the start of summer? Curious to learn more about how you can do this?
Set Your Thermostat Appropriately
In order to have your air conditioner working optimally for you, you’ve got to hit the magic mark with your thermostat.
Although it is tempting to turn it down very low when the heat is rising outside, that will just force your system to work double time.
That also means that you’ll greatly increase your energy consumption- and therefore your energy bills.
Set your thermostat at 78°F for the best energy efficiency. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, consider getting one.
It is an excellent way to shave even more money off of your cooling bills. It’s especially effective if you tend to be out of your house all day, or if you travel a lot.
Not only is your home the ideal temperature as soon as you come home, but you also reduce your bills at the same time.
The Importance of the Inspection
Before summer officially begins, make an annual habit of getting an inspection and tune-up done by professionals.
This helps you save money by extending the life of your unit. During the cleaning and other tasks done as part of a tune-up, you set your unit up to most efficiently blow cool air throughout your home.
And a side note- this is one job that you don’t want to DIY, because of the highly technical nature of the work.
Replacement Time
At some point in time, you will need to replace your unit.
They only last about 10 years (sometimes as much as 15 if you’ve been good about maintenance).
While this may seem like an expense that is unwelcome, upgrading to one of the newer models now available 
These are some signs that you need a new unit:
- heard strange rattling noises
- experience a foul odor
- see a rise in your energy bills
- notice your home isn’t cooling properly
