In the hottest parts of summer, the average temperature in Charlotte is 90 degrees. That means your air conditioner is often running non-stop to keep up with the demands of such humid, stifling weather.
Each home operates differently, but there are a myriad of ways to make sure your A/C is running efficiently and that you’re keeping your house cooler, preventing it from clicking on in the first place.
Looking to beat the heat and save on your energy bill? Try these MTB Mechanical technician-approved tips for keeping your home cool.
Keep Blinds Closed
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 76% of the sun’s rays that fall on a standard double-pane window enter the home and become heat. Keeping your blinds and curtains closed can significantly reduce this effect on your home and take some of the pressure off your HVAC system. Shade trees can also help keep direct sunlight off your home, but also consider that landscaping should be kept trimmed around your A/C unit.
Replace Your Light Bulbs
Old incandescent light bulbs can significantly heat any room. Of the energy they use, 90% is given off as heat. The most popular high-efficiency bulbs are halogen incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are better for the environment and your wallet. They may seem more expensive initially, but will save you money in the long run. Plus, many energy providers offer them to customers for free. Check with yours.
Change Your Air Filters
Dusty, dirty air filters can decrease the efficiency of your A/C unit. All that buildup makes air move slowly through the filter. Families spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer, but all that coming and going brings in debris that eventually gets caught by your filter. Especially if you haven’t changed your air filter since spring pollen season, it’s time! Change your filters often and sign up for our convenient reminders to stay on schedule.
Turn up the Thermostat When Leaving
Whenever you’re preparing to leave the house, create this routine to help your A/C unit function more efficiently: close the blinds, turn off the lights and turn up the thermostat. Each degree makes a difference. With a smart thermostat, you can even program different temperatures for different times of the day so it automatically adjusts.
Unplug Your Electronics
Have you ever picked up your laptop after a long charge? You’ll find it warm, even hot, to the touch. Unplug unused electronics like TVs, computers and game stations to save energy and cool off the room. They emit enough heat while connected to make a difference.
Have Your HVAC System Serviced
Having your air conditioner checked by an MTB technician is the easiest way to detect cooling issues. Technicians check for an array of issues that may be causing your system to run inefficiently. This also allows maintenance issues to be remedied rather than becoming a full outage problem, leaving your family without A/C in the hot Carolina summer. You can also ask your air conditioning professional about the appropriately sized unit for your home. If you’ve remodeled or added square footage, your system may not be cooling your home properly.
Schedule online or call the A/C experts of MTB Mechanical at (704) 459-4066 to set up your next maintenance visit. Plus, through our seasonal specials, take $20 off any repair. With decades of experience keeping the Charlotte region cool, let us service your home today!
