Once Labor Day has come and gone, our minds automatically turn to fall. But this is one of the most unpredictable seasons in North Carolina. Even though the sun is setting earlier and the leaves are starting to turn, sweater weather is not here just yet, and shorts and sandals are still part of the wardrobe. Then a cool night arrives, and the real transition begins.
How do you handle the fluctuating temperatures without creating a strain on your heating and cooling system? The MTB Mechanical team offers a few tips to stay comfortable during autumn in the Charlotte region.
Turn up your thermostat a few degrees. During the summer months, you may have your A/C set between 68 and 72 degrees. But if you turn it up a couple degrees while it’s still warm in the fall, you can save on your energy bill. For every degree you raise the setting, you could be decreasing your unit’s power consumption by seven percent.
Open those windows. Take advantage of cooler fall evenings by opening your windows while you sleep. Turning on ceiling fans is also a good idea, to help circulate the cooler air throughout your home. As the heat begins to rise during the day, you can go back to closed windows and air conditioning. But this is the best season to put fresh air to work whenever and wherever you can.
Change your filters regularly. Your air conditioner has been working nonstop to keep you cool all summer. Don’t forget to change your filters on a consistent basis, especially before switching over to heating.
Pay attention to your A/C’s performance. While switching between A/C and heating generally won’t affect your system, it could cause the unit to shut off unexpectedly. If you change your thermostat to heating mode in the middle of a cooling cycle, your compressor could lock up and short cycle. Instead, we recommend that you turn off the A/C, wait for the compressor to finish its cycle, then switch to the heating function.
This season of transition is the perfect time to schedule a maintenance check on your heating and cooling system. As a Priority Comfort Agreement (PCA) customer with MTB, you can avoid breakdowns, reduce your energy bills, extend the life of your system, and protect your warranty. Schedule your appointment online today, or give us a call at (704) 459-4066 .
