Summer weather in Mankato area can be a bear. But you don’t have to make a choice between being comfortably cool and saving money on your utility expenses. We’ve put together some tips to make it simple.
The greatest thing you can do to stay comfy and ensure energy efficiency is by servicing your air conditioner. ENERGY STAR® recommends keeping your system working dependably and efficiently, and Northern Comfort Inc can make that simple. During an AC tune-up appointment, we’ll complete the following tasks suggested by ENERGY STAR and more:
- Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors to ensure safe operation of your system and the chance of a longer lifespan for major components.
- Clean the air conditioner’s evaporator and condenser coils as required. Dirty coils require your system to run more often to do its job.
- Check system controls to be sure of accurate and safe operation.
- Look at refrigerant levels.
- Clean and adjust blower components to be sure of correct system airflow.
Another crucial piece to keeping cool is consistently inspecting your air conditioner’s air filter. A dirty filter could increase energy costs and damage your equipment, which could lead to premature failure. Our Northern Comfort Inc pros will look at these for you at your tune-up appointment, but you’ll want to check the manufacturer’s recommendations to set up your own schedule to switch them out.
Here are some other tips to keep your home comfy and energy-efficient:
- Check thermostat settings to make sure your air conditioner keeps you cool when you are home and saves energy while you are away.
- If it is cool at night, you can turn off your air conditioner and open your windows. Let nature cool your home for you! In the morning, shut your windows and window coverings to hold on to the cool air and block the sun’s heat.
- Use fans to your advantage. An ENERGY-STAR ceiling fan will allow you to set your thermostat a bit higher than you routinely would without noting any changes in your comfort level.
- Another type of fan people routinely forget about when they’re working to keep cool is their bathroom ventilation fan. Be sure to run yours when you shower as well as 20 minutes or longer after you’re done to remove the heat and humidity from your house.
- Work to not leave lights on and running many appliances on the hottest days. Obviously, your stovetop and oven add heat into your home, but even normal activities like watching TV, working on the computer, and drying or curling your hair can up the heat in your home.
If you’d like more ideas on how to keep your home cool and energy efficient this summer, give Northern Comfort Inc at call at 507-387-6596 or request an appointment with us online.