3 Ways to Help Your AC Unit Beat the Atlanta Heat
The summer heat in Atlanta can be unbearable. Seeking refuge in your own home isn’t easy if your AC unit is working overtime. Taking a few easy steps to optimize your AC unit can improve comfort, reduce bills, and save energy. Contact an Atlanta cooling services company for regular maintenance to guarantee maximum efficiency, but here are a few steps to get you started.
Filter Better Air
Air filters not only reduce allergens in the air, but they also enable the cooling system to do its job efficiently. During the summer, allergens and dust are at their highest, meaning your air filter will clog quicker than the cooler months. You’ll need to check and replace it more often in the summer than in the fall or winter.
Replacing your air filters is the quickest and most effective way to conserve energy in your home. If you forget to replace the air filters, make a point to do so at the same time you change the oil in your car. Both the oil in your car and the air filters in your home enable maximum performance respectively.
Trim Shrubs and Greenery
It’s all too common to want to hide the metal noise maker outside your house known as the air conditioning unit. Homeowners, builders, and landscapers are inclined to surround the unit with shrubs or fences to hide the eyesore and cancel the noise. What they don’t realize is that they’re restricting the air flow, causing the unit to work harder than it should. Proper airflow is critical for system performance.
The fan pulls outside air into the unit, flushes it through refrigerant coils, and dispenses it through the top. Restricted air flow can lead to serious damage. In addition, rodents, who are notorious for chewing through wires, are attracted to nesting near units surrounded by shrubs. Be sure to keep 18″ to 36″ of space around the unit, keeping in mind how large the nearby bushes will grow in the years to come.
Strategically Place the Thermostat
The thermostat is the brain of your cooling system, and location is key. Avoid placing it near appliances, in direct sunlight, near the kitchen or hallway, or by windows. If you do, you’ll find your thermostat giving inaccurate or “ghost” readings. If it’s exposed to temporary heat, like from an appliance or sunlight, it thinks the room is warmer than it really is. It intuitively knows to turn on the heat or cool air according to what it’s reading.
Ideally, the thermostat should be on an interior wall toward the center of your home in a room that is frequented by its occupants. If you’re struggling to relocate the thermostat, a local HVAC professional can help you find the best location for your home.
Call the Experts
Unknowingly forcing your AC unit to work overtime leads to higher bills and potential comfort disruption. Proper HVAC maintenance drives down bills, creates a better, healthier home environment, and extends the life of your unit. If your AC system needs to be serviced, contact Anytime Heating, Cooling and Plumbing or give us a call at 770-504-5881 to schedule an appointment today.
