Prevent AC Failures during Heat Waves

With California entering the second week of a potential three-week long heat wave, your solution to the extreme heat might be to run your AC unit all day and night.  But this may be setting yourself up for a much worse scenario: the A/C breaking down at a time when you might have a difficult time getting it fixed or replaced quickly.

Summer is of course the busiest season for HVAC technicians; you might find yourself waiting weeks to schedule an appointment. Even emergency air conditioning services are often overbooked in the summer. Before you run your air conditioning on full blast 24/7, try these tips to reduce the impact of extreme heat

Windows

During the day, sunlight comes in through your windows and heats your home. If you’re running your AC equipment simultaneously, it has to work extra hard to cool the air that gets reheated by the sunlight. Close the blinds in your home during daylight hours to prevent the sun from warming the air.

Fans

Stagnant air feels warmer than its actual temperature indicates. By circulating air with a few fans, you may be able to eliminate the need for your AC unit to be running non-stop.

Thermostats

When everyone is home, you want your house to be cool and comfortable. But if your children are at school and you’re at work, there’s no reason to keep your AC unit running at the same temperature as if everyone is home. Use a programmable thermostat to set a schedule for your home cooling system, many can be controlled by WiFi and your phone these days so you can always adjust the temperature if you forget to do it before you leave the house for the day. You can have your air conditioner kick on an hour or so before you expect to be home so it will be cool when you return. Shut the unit off once everyone has gone to bed, this enables you to maximize the efforts of your AC equipment without running the risk of burning it out.

Limit Other Appliances

Certain home appliances are energy hogs: big-screen plasma TVs, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers. But there are ways to limit the energy consumption of these appliances. Program “no heat” during your dishwasher’s drying cycle to reduce energy usage, set a timer on your TV to prevent overuse and switch to cold water in your washing machine. Wait until you have enough for a full load of dishes or clothes in order to maximize your efforts and wait to run these appliances until night time when you’re able to shut off the A/C for the day.

Lights

You’re contributing to the warmth in your home if you keep your lights on all day. Make sure you turn the lights off when you leave a room, installing timers on your lighting systems as a failsafe as well. Save energy on your outdoor lights by installing motion detectors’ this ensures that your lights are available when you need them but aren’t consuming energy when you don’t.

Maintenance

Performing routine maintenance on your home cooling system is a smart way to prepare it for extreme weather. HVAC service experts are able to spot potential problems before they arise and make adjustments to keep your system running at its best.

When the weather gets hot, it’s tempting to crank your air conditioner up high and keep it there until winter rolls back around. Resist the urge. With these simple tips, you’re able to save energy and stay cool – all without sacrificing comfort. Give your AC equipment a break so it doesn’t breaks down for good.