School is out, temperatures are climbing into the triple digits, and Memorial Day weekend is here. The unofficial kickoff to summer has arrived, and it’s important to ensure that your air conditioning system is running properly.
Going Away for Memorial Day?
Don’t consider setting your thermostat to an uncomfortably high temperature if you’re heading out of town. The worst thing you can do is come back from a holiday weekend away to a stifling hot house. When you arrive home and blast the air conditioner to lower indoor temperatures, your HVAC system will be working overtime, and your next month’s utility bill will increase proportionately.
The idea of turning off your HVAC system is even more detrimental. Indoor temperatures will climb rapidly, and indoor plants will wilt. Mold and mildew can potentially begin growing due to a lack of air circulation and high humidity levels. Running your AC at a slightly higher than normal temperature is the way to keep air circulating and avoid having to crank your system upon your return.
Cool Tips
Whether you’re staying home or going away, these suggestions will help your home’s air conditioning system work efficiently.
- Change out your air filter. A clogged air filter will result in your unit working harder and running more often to keep your home cool. According to the EPA, dirty air filters contribute to an indoor concentration of pollutants that is two to five times higher than outdoors, impacting your family’s health, especially for family members suffering from seasonal allergies or respiratory ailments.
- Invest in a smart thermostat. These thermostats can be set to help you maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and save on your monthly energy bills. They’re easy to install and use remotely with a smartphone app. Local utility companies even offer special incentives for homeowners to install programmable thermostats. APS offers rebates or credits for qualifying smart thermostats. SRP offers a bill credit per thermostat for eligible smart thermostats.
- Closing blinds, drapes, and curtains will help keep your home cool whether you’re away or at home. Sunshine can heat up indoor temps, causing your AC to work harder and less efficiently.
The professionals at Cool Blew understand the extreme summer heat and the demands placed on your HVAC system. If you haven’t already scheduled your spring air conditioning tune-up, now is a great time to do so. Call our expert technicians today at 623-872-2900 to schedule maintenance.
Happy Memorial Day weekend!
