HVAC summer efficiency is a hot topic in San Antonio, literally. Most homeowners want to know how to improve HVAC energy efficiency in the summer, but something else to consider is the lifespan of the equipment. It might not be a direct monthly expense, but a short lifespan increases heating and cooling costs in other ways.
Typically, the more a heating and air conditioning system is used the shorter the lifespan will be. Not the best news for heating and cooling units in Texas. You want to extend the life of your air conditioner, but that can seem like an impossible feat when it's going about half of the year. It is possible to get 20+ years out of air conditioners, but it doesn't happen by chance. This is what we recommend when a client wants to protect their HVAC system and extend its life despite Texas summer heat that keeps it constantly running.
Invest in Regular HVAC Maintenance
Your heating and air conditioning system needs a little TLC to stay in top shape and continue operating at its best. We promise AC maintenance is an investment that should pay for itself. Plus, a maintenance tune up before the summer starts can help you avoid an uncomfortable breakdown on a hot day.
HVAC maintenance for an AC system includes:
Cleaning condenser coils
Checking refrigerant pressure
Checking airflow
Changing the air filter
Checking the outdoor unit
Testing the thermostat
Examining connections
Making adjustments as needed
Oiling components that move
This is just a short list of essential HVAC maintenance. The technician will give the entire system a look to make sure all components are working correctly and efficiently.
Seal Up Leaks Everywhere
Sealing up air leaks all around your home, including the HVAC system, is going to help reduce energy use and ease the load on your heating and cooling equipment. Many people seal around their windows and doors with weather stripping for better temperature inside, but going one step further can make an even bigger difference.
Sealing up leaks in the ductwork can noticeably improve the airflow and significantly reduce energy waste from conditioned air leaking out in non-living spaces.
Change the Air Filters Regularly
One of the easiest ways to extend the life of a hard-working HVAC system is to change air filters regularly, and consider doing it more often during the summer heat. Clogged air filters can have a negative impact on the entire HVAC system because they restrict airflow. A clogged filter can also lower indoor air quality because more contaminants are circulated in the air rather than being captured by a clean air filter.
It may cost a little more money, but changing the filters more frequently in the summer when the HVAC is constantly running and there isn't much fresh air coming through open doors and windows is often worth it. During the summer season when you're inside a lot, you need your air filter for trapping dust and other debris more than ever.
You shouldn't wait longer than three months to replace the air filter. In the summer you may want to change it out every 1-2 months to ensure the most efficient performance. It may be possible to clean air filters in between replacements depending on the type that are used.
Another benefit of regularly changing clogged filters is the HVAC system uses less energy. The Department of Energy has stated that keeping air filters clean can reduce energy use up to 15%. That's a huge energy savings!
Adjust the Thermostat Settings for the Summer Months
When summer arrives that's the time to adjust your programmable thermostat. Seasonal adjustments help you dial in your HVAC use so it's running less even when the temperature starts to rise outside.
Here are some ways that you can optimize the cooling process in a way that will deliver energy savings automatically:
If your summer schedule is different due to kids being out of school, wake up times may need to be adjusted.
Adjust setbacks so that it's 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you're home.
Set the thermostat to 81 degrees Fahrenheit when you're gone for an extended period during the day.
Use the vacation or away settings if you plan to take a summer trip and will be gone for more than two days. The temperature can be set to 88 degrees Fahrenheit unless animals will remain at home.
Use fans at night to keep cool and increase the temperature to 80 degrees Fahrenheit .
What's good for your electric bill is usually good for your air conditioner in terms of lifespan, and using a programmable thermostat can definitely be beneficial for both.
Close Some of the Vents
The central air conditioning unit is going to pump air throughout the house wherever the vents let air flow. The more space you're cooling the harder the indoor air handler is going to work to move air.
If there are rooms in your home that are rarely used and don't need a constant supply of cool air, close the vents so that conditioned air is diverted where it's really needed. This simple adjustment will ease the workload for the air conditioner, improving the lifespan and often reducing energy costs.
Clear Out the Area Around the Condenser Unit
The outdoor equipment for the AC system is known as the condenser unit. It helps regulate the temperature inside by drawing heat outside. However, if the condenser unit is surrounded by plants, debris or objects it's more difficult for the hot air to be released and drawn back into the system. If the condenser unit isn't able to release hot air like it should, it causes problems quickly.
The easy fix is to clean up around the condenser unit and clear out any vegetation to improve the airflow. This will also reduce the amount of dirt and debris that gets into the unit.
Get Air Conditioning Issues Inspected Quickly
Have you noticed your air conditioner making odd sounds lately? Does it seem to take longer for rooms to feel comfortable even with a smart thermostat installed? Has your energy consumption suddenly gone up?
There are a few good reasons to get air conditioning issues inspected by a professional ASAP. For one, it helps you intervene quickly and fix a problem before it becomes worse. That in itself will have a positive effect on the lifespan. It also should help you save money by helping you avoid the cost of emergency repairs if the condenser unit breaks down or the compressor fails.
Expanding the Life of an AC Unit is Easier With Professional Help
If your HVAC unit has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced we can help you select a heating and cooling system that will last, improve air quality and provide better energy efficiency. More goes into the selection than the seasonal energy efficiency ratio. We consider a number of factors from your home's temperature at different times in the day to the location of the thermostat.
We'll cover every factor to make sure your heating and cooling system is working efficiently to cool your home and keep your family members comfortable no matter how hot it gets in Texas.
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