Page Menu

Air Conditioning

To make your home comfortable in the summer, you have several options ranging from simply opening windows to installing a central air conditioning system.

  • Install insulation:  Installing insulation is generally 1 of the best things you can do to reduce your home’s cooling costs. That’s because up to 20% of your home’s air conditioning can be lost to the great outdoors. If you plan to insulate your home, check with your local utility for the recommended insulation levels.
  • Do your homework:  Important factors to consider when shopping for a new air conditioner are: size of the area that needs to be cooled, climate, your home’s construction, sun exposure, wiring, insulation, and the number and location of windows. Once you have this information, you should consider all the types available and determine which will cool your home for the lowest cost. The SEER rating on the EnergyGuide label can also help you. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and new central air conditioners have a minimum SEER rating of 10. Consider buying a high efficiency model with a SEER rating of 11 or higher. (A SEER of 16 can save up to 40% on your cooling costs.) Whole house fans, evaporative coolers, heat pumps, room air conditioners, and central air conditioning systems all have their pros and cons, so do a little research before buying.
  • Shade your house:  Use landscaping, awnings, and overhangs to provide shade around the outside of your home. A shaded house is easier to cool than one in direct sunlight. There are even white reflective roof paints available that can reduce air conditioning costs. Just as shading can reduce cooling costs in residential spaces, the right exterior paint can have a significant impact on warehouse efficiency. Reflective coatings and lighter colors can help minimize heat absorption, keeping the interior cooler and easing the burden on HVAC systems. Beyond temperature control, a fresh coat of paint can also serve as a protective barrier against the elements. Industrial-grade coatings can prevent rust, corrosion, and moisture damage, extending the life of your warehouse structure
  • Set and leave it:  The best temperature for your air conditioner’s thermostat is 78°F or higher. If you don’t want to come home to a hot house, consider purchasing a programmable thermostat.
  • Use fans instead:  A central air conditioning system can use up to 24 kilowatt day based on 8 hours of use. In contrast, a fan (ceiling or portable) may use 1 kilowatt hour per day to operate. That’s an approximate savings of up to 95% on those days when a fan will do the trick.
  • Turn it off:  If you plan to leave for a few minutes or more, turn your fan off. Running it while you’re not there is a definite energy waster.
  • Maintain it:  Proper maintenance helps your air conditioner run more efficiently. Replace disposable filters or clean permanent filters every few months during the cooling season. It’s a good idea to have your entire system checked on a yearly basis by a qualified air conditioning contractor. In addition to routine filter care and annual inspections, it’s essential to pay attention to airflow, thermostat calibration, and refrigerant levels to ensure consistent performance throughout the cooling season. Dust buildup on coils or blocked vents can strain the system, leading to higher energy consumption and uneven cooling. Engaging trusted professionals ensures these intricate components are thoroughly cleaned, balanced, and fine-tuned for maximum efficiency. Their expertise helps extend the lifespan of your unit while maintaining optimal comfort levels indoors, preventing small issues from turning into costly repairs and ensuring your air conditioning system operates smoothly year after year.
  • Clean the coils:  Clean the outside condenser coils with diluted detergent and rinse thoroughly at the beginning and the end of the air conditioning season.
  • Watch those windows:  During the cooler morning and evening hours, open your windows and use the outside air to cool your home. During the heat of the day, close the draperies and blinds to keep the warm sun out. Consider installing reflective films or solar shade screens on windows with the greatest exposure to the summer sun (this can help keep your furniture and carpet from fading too). And while you’re thinking about protecting your interiors, don’t forget your floors. Sun exposure and heat can wear down materials over time, especially in high-traffic areas. That’s why choosing durable options and proper maintenance makes such a difference. For example, if you’re browsing a carpet shop, you’ll notice how modern carpets are designed not just for comfort but also to resist fading and handle seasonal temperature shifts. The right flooring doesn’t just complement your home—it also saves you from costly replacements down the road.
  • Keep it as cool as possible:  Install your air conditioner out of the direct sunlight.
  • Keep vents clear:  An obstructed vent wastes both energy and money.
  • Keep it in:  First, keep your doors and windows closed when you have the air conditioner on. Second, weatherstrip and caulk your doors and windows to seal in cool air.