Optimize Thermostat For Cool Energy Savings

air conditioning settingsTo improve energy efficiency this summer and save money, you can take a small but important step by ensuring that your thermostat settings are set for maximum comfort and efficiency. By assessing the efficiency of your air conditioning system and cleaning or replacing air filters, you can improve system performance.

Summer is here, and you may  already be enjoying the balmy nights and warm days we have been experiencing. The warmer weather brings with it a lot of fun at the beach, but also a greater need to keep cool. This is especially true during the hottest hours of the day. This month we researched how to maximize your thermostat settings so that you can stay cool in summer without burning through your wallet.

What are the optimal thermostat  settings?

The climate in your state will determine the optimal AC setting. For example, the recommended AC settings for South Carolina may be different than the AC settings in northern states where many of you are from. It is generally recommended to keep the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors small. The lower your cooling costs will be, the smaller the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors.

A general tip to reduce your energy bills is to keep the house warm when you’re not at home. Set your thermostat to a lower temperature when you arrive home to cool down. When you’re home, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 78 degrees. However, they do mention that it depends on where you live as well as how comfortable you feel in this temperature. Each house and individual is different!

The Department of Energy recommends that you do not set your thermostat to a lower temperature than usual when you turn on the AC. The AC will not cool down your home any faster if you set the temperature lower. This can be an unnecessary expense. Instead, turn on the fan!

Be a fan of fans!

ceiling fanYou can save a lot of cash by using your ceiling fan in conjunction with an air conditioner. Fans do not cool a room, but only the people inside. Your fan will disrupt the layer of stagnant air surrounding your body. This layer of stagnant air prevents heat from escaping. It is similar to being covered by a blanket. Fans disrupt the layer of stagnant air and create airflow in the room, which allows your body to release heat faster. You will feel cooler even without lowering the AC temperatures. Save energy by using the fan.

Remember that the fan will not save you energy. Instead, it is better to increase your thermostat. The fan compensates for higher AC temperatures.

Increase your thermostat while keeping the fan running. You’ll use more energy if you turn on the fan while keeping your thermostat set at the same temperature. According to the US Department of Energy a ceiling fan allows you to increase your AC by 2-4 degrees and still feel cool.

Quick Home Adjustments

Close your blinds throughout the day. Close your blinds during the day to reflect heat that is radiated through the windows. It is especially important to do this during the day when the sun’s rays are directly shining on your home.

  • Close all windows and doors when using AC.

If possible, change your AC filter every month during the summer months! Dirt and debris on your AC filter will make your AC system work more to cool your home. You can save money by changing your AC filters regularly. Your system will be more efficient and last longer.

  • When you leave the room, turn off all lights. Leaving lights on can warm up the room.
  • It’s best to leave interior doors open if you have central air conditioning.

Preventative Maintenance

Air conditioning preventative maintenance refers to the regular and proactive servicing and inspection of an air conditioning system to ensure its optimal performance, efficiency, and longevity. It involves a series of tasks performed by qualified technicians to prevent potential issues, identify and address minor problems before they escalate, and maintain the overall health of the system. The primary goal of preventative maintenance is to maximize the system’s reliability, energy efficiency, and lifespan while minimizing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.

North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air includes in air conditioning preventative maintenance:

  1. Cleaning: Regular cleaning of air conditioning components, such as the condenser coils, evaporator coils, filters, and drains, is crucial to prevent the accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris. This buildup can hinder airflow, reduce cooling capacity, and strain the system, leading to decreased efficiency and potential malfunctions.
  2. Inspection and lubrication:  Our technicians inspect the various parts of the system, including fans, motors, belts, and bearings, to check for wear and tear, loose connections, and signs of damage. They also lubricate moving parts as needed to ensure smooth operation and minimize friction, which can contribute to excessive energy consumption and premature component failure.
  3. Refrigerant levels: Maintaining the correct refrigerant charge is essential for optimal cooling performance. Technicians measure and adjust refrigerant levels if necessary, as improper amounts can lead to reduced efficiency, increased energy consumption, and potential compressor damage.
  4. Electrical system check: The electrical components of an air conditioning system, such as wiring, capacitors, and relays, need to be inspected for signs of wear, loose connections, and potential electrical issues. Identifying and addressing these problems early can help prevent system failures and electrical hazards.
  5. Thermostat calibration: Technicians ensure that the thermostat is accurately calibrated, enabling it to maintain the desired temperature and ensure optimal comfort while minimizing unnecessary cooling cycles.
  6. Airflow assessment: The airflow within the system and throughout the conditioned space is assessed to identify any restrictions or imbalances. Technicians may clean or adjust ductwork, dampers, and vents to optimize airflow and ensure proper cooling and distribution.
  7. System performance evaluation: Our technicians test the system’s performance, measuring temperature differentials, monitoring operating pressures, and assessing overall efficiency. This evaluation helps identify any performance issues or deviations from normal operation, allowing for timely adjustments or repairs.

By performing these routine maintenance tasks, air conditioning preventative maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, improves energy efficiency, prolongs the system’s lifespan, enhances indoor air quality, and saves on long-term repair and replacement costs.

North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air recommends an air conditioning checkup every 6 months or just after movibg into your home. Call us today to schedule a convenient time.

North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle BeachBarefoot LandingLittle RiverLongsCherry Grove

Air Conditioning Systems And Their Unique Repair Needs

air conditioningEach type of air conditioning system has its own repair requirements. There are many things to consider when choosing an air conditioner for your home. It is important that you understand the unique needs of each system, regardless of what type you select. This information can save you time and money by detecting problems early and maintaining your system.

Types Of Air Conditioning Systems

The most common systems are central air conditioners, portable units, ductless mini splits, split unit ACs, portable units and window-mounted units.

Central Air Conditioners

North Myrtle Beach residents prefer central air conditioners (also known as ducted units) to cool their homes. To cool your home, these systems use an outdoor unit and an interior evaporator coil. The compressor, located in the condenser, works by cycling the refrigerant throughout the system. This cools the air before it enters the home.

Air conditioners with ducts are very efficient and can be used to regulate the temperature in a whole house or office. Installing and operating them can be cheaper than multiple mini-split units and window units.

Split Unit ACs

Split-unit ACs work similarly to central air conditioners, but they have an extra component called a multi-split inverter. Multiple indoor units can be connected to a single outdoor condenser/compressor using this component. These systems are great if you need to cool multiple rooms or do not want to deal with ductwork.

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HVAC Contractors On Repairing Storm Related Damage To Your Air Conditioner

HVAC contractorsIt is not unusual for South Carolina to experience thunderstorms all summer, even on hot and humid days. Often they can be serious, with strong winds that can severely damage power lines. When that occurs, you can unexpectedly discover yourself in total darkness, even worse, without an air conditioner!

So when the power has been restored, you simply want to switch your air conditioner back on, particularly on a hot summer day. But, you might be puzzled to discover that your air conditioning system is not working.

Can electrical damage cause it?

Before jumping to conclusions, HVAC contractors suggest you try to reboot your air conditioning system after a power failure.

HVAC Contractor’s Guide on Air Conditioner Reboot

Even a simple thunderstorm can cause lighting to strike, triggering a power surge that can trip the breaker. If it was simply a random blackout and not brought on by a storm, there could still be a surge when the power comes back. That’s simply the breaker doing its task of securing your devices. All you need to do is understand how to reset the breaker and turn the system back on.

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Hiring The Best Air Conditioning Contractor

air conditioning contractorIf your air conditioner is not working properly, you must hire a technician you can trust to fix it. You could end up paying for substandard work or overpaying for a simple task if you don’t do any research about your technician. These 12 things you should consider when choosing an air conditioning contractor.

Hiring An Air Conditioning Contractor

1. Find out more

Do some research first. You should familiarize yourself with the air conditioner you have so that it is known to you what type, brand, and model it is. Also, be sure to know its maintenance history. You can get a good idea of how bad the problem is by determining which rooms are the most uncomfortable. It will guide you in your search.

Other benefits come from becoming familiar with your air conditioner. You will be more confident in diagnosing potential problems if you spend more time learning about your unit. You could save money in the future if you can fix your unit yourself and no longer need a technician.

It is best to leave the more difficult tasks to a professional air conditioner contractor in North Myrtle Beach. You may spend more upfront, but in the long run, you’ll save money because the job will be done right the first time.

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How To Improve The Efficiency Of Your Air Conditioner In Your Home

Air conditioner North Myrtle BeachIt’s cool that your air conditioner does the minimum to keep you cool, but it isn’t cool when it increases your energy bill to get the job done. There are many ways to improve energy efficiency. Here are a few ways to optimize the performance of your HVAC.

1. Clean the Area Around your Outdoor Condenser to Improve HVAC Efficiency

Obstructions and clogs around the outside condenser can significantly reduce your AC’s efficiency. Look for obstructions and debris around and on the unit. Clean your AC unit as well. You can hide your North Myrtle Beach air conditioning unit, but it won’t look good. Don’t use a structure that is enclosed or place anything above it.

2. Keep vents unblocked and clean

The vents can be blocked by dust bunnies or buildup, which prevents cool air from escaping. Do a walk-through to check your vents and see if they need cleaning. Avoid placing furniture or other obstructions around vents to ensure that cold air is circulated properly.

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Boost The Efficiency Of Your Air Conditioning And Save Money

air conditioning North Myrtle BeachAir conditioning systems can account for up to 70% of the total energy costs in your home during summer. HVAC is your home’s biggest energy consumer. You are likely like many homeowners who are looking for ways to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of their air conditioning units. This may not be as easy to do as it sounds.

Don’t despair. You can find some helpful tips. Continue reading to find out how you can make your AC unit more efficient and save money over the course of an entire year.

It’s important to know the signs of an inefficient AC system before you can improve its efficiency.

Signs that your air conditioning system may not be operating efficiently

How can you tell if your system is losing efficiency? You may notice that your system has a problem.

Cost Increases

If your utility bills are increasing, this is one of the clearest signs that you have an inefficient AC. If your AC is not operating efficiently, you will need to use more energy.

If you notice increased usage or costs, it’s important to get your system cleaned and inspected. A professional air conditioning contractor in North Myrtle Beach can determine what is causing the cost increase.

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How To Keep Your Central Air Conditioning Unit Quiet?

air conditioning North Myrtle BeachDealing with a noisy central air conditioning system can be bothersome and may indicate an underlying issue. However, understanding the source of the noise and implementing effective solutions can help you enjoy a peaceful indoor environment during the summer. Here are some steps you can take to identify and resolve the problem.

Schedule an HVAC Inspection

If you’ve been experiencing loud banging or grinding noises from your air conditioner for a significant period, it’s crucial to contact an air conditioning contractor for an inspection. They will thoroughly examine each component and provide recommendations to address the noise. Here are some common HVAC issues they might diagnose:

Dirty or damaged fan blades: Loud banging noises may indicate broken, bent, or dirty fan blades in the condenser. Cleaning or replacing them can resolve the issue.

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Signs Your Central Air Conditioning System Needs Replacement

air conditioningFew systems are as important to your comfort at home as your central air conditioning unit. This system eliminates heat and moisture from your home and makes it more comfortable.

Air conditioners cost homeowners $11 billion per year. 6% of the average household’s energy consumption is used for cooling. When something goes wrong, it can cause a lot of stress.

Signs You Need To Replace Your Air Conditioning System

1. The airflow from the vents feels somewhat abnormal.

If the air flowing from the vents feels weird, such as unexpectedly warm, there is a possibility that your central air conditioning unit is facing a significant issue. The presence of warm air being blown by your central air conditioner indicates a malfunction within the system. This could stem from a faulty air conditioner compressor or other potential causes requiring attention.

You may notice that airflow has suddenly decreased. This problem can be caused by problems with the unit’s compressor or the ducts.

You might also notice that your air conditioner vents emit a strange odor. This odor could indicate a more serious problem, such as mold, which can affect your health and that of your family. You must seek immediate help if your air conditioner emits a strange smell.

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Signs You Need an Emergency AC Repair

ac repairAir conditioners are great when they work. How can you tell when your AC will suddenly stop working, leaving you trapped inside during the summer heat? Your air conditioner may be warning you. Knowing how to read signs that you need an ac repair is just a matter of knowing.

You can avoid headaches by knowing what to listen to and look for. Here are signs that you need emergency AC repair.

1. Unusual Noises

The compressor is the reason for air conditioners making noise. If you hear strange gurgling or odd noises that the unit hasn’t made before, it could be a sign that the air conditioner will soon stop working.

Do not ignore strange sounds coming from your AC. This could be a sign that your AC needs to be repaired.

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Common Air Conditioning Problems and Troubleshooting Tips

air conditioningIt’s not necessary to be an air conditioning expert to know when something is wrong. Knowing the most common AC unit problems can help you avoid breakdowns. No AC during the hot summer is not something anyone wants.

Common air conditioning problems to watch out for:

1. AC Running Constantly

The air conditioner will run more frequently in hot weather but should still shut off at regular intervals. You can protect your AC’s vital components by fixing it when it won’t turn off. This will also prevent your energy bills from exploding.

Cause: This can be a common AC problem with multiple possible causes. It could be a problem with your thermostat, compressor or air filters.

Solution: Turn off the thermostat fan and see if it stops the air conditioner. Contact a professional HVAC contractor in North Myrtle Beach if you are not able to fix the problem. Our experts can quickly identify problems and repair them on their first visit.

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