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Avoid these common mistakes when trying to cool your Texas home in the hot, humid summer
Many of us know the unique battle to keep cool in Houston, TX during the long hot and humid summer, which makes a residential cooling system that works effectively a necessity.
Extremely hot summer days can put a strain on your AC unit, especially when temperatures outside reach 100 degrees or more. For many Texas homeowners, setting the thermostat lower is the solution for maintaining comfort in spite of high temperatures.
However, this short-term solution causes air conditioners to run continuously, increasing the chance of an AC breakdown.
Here at Richmond’s Air, we can attest to this because the summer is our busiest time of year in terms of AC repair. Too many people expect too much out of their AC units, running them continuously without proper maintenance.
So, what should you expect from your AC in order to stay cool and avoid repair costs?
AC recommendations for extreme summer heat
The capacity of an HVAC unit is determined by various factors, such as the region, the square-footage of the home and the number of windows. A unit with a 1.5-ton cooling capacity will not be able to cool a 1,000 sq. ft. home in the hot and humid south as it would for homes in northern states.
For those living in Houston, owning an AC that’s an appropriate size and running the AC with realistic expectations will help you preserve the lifespan of your HVAC unit.
HVAC technicians recommend setting your thermostat 20 degrees lower than the outdoor temperatures. For many, 72 degrees is the optimal indoor temperature, but on days that surpass 92 degrees, your AC will be running extra hard to meet those expectations.
When outside temperatures are pushing 100 degrees, try setting your thermostat at 78-80 degrees. Supplement the indoor airflow with fans and other strategies to maintain cool temperatures inside.
Pushing your thermostat even further down on hot days will only hurt your air conditioner and increase your electricity costs.
Top mistakes that hurt your AC’s efficiency
Unfortunately, many folks unknowingly undermine their home’s ability to maintain a cool and comfortable indoor living environment by making the same common mistakes.
By avoiding these classic cooling blunders, Texas homeowners can help maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of their home air conditioning systems.
Mistake #1: Failure to periodically clean your AC unit
Air conditioning coils and fins assist the evaporators in absorbing and releasing heat within the house and the condensers outside. This act of transporting heat is essential, but layers of dust and dust hinder it.
If dirt collects on your condenser coils, there is a barrier between the air that blooms over the coils and the heat in the coolant. This dirt makes it difficult for heat to be transferred from the coils to the air outside, meaning that heat is not removed from your home correctly. In addition to insufficient airflow, your evaporator coil could also freeze.
To correct the problem, you should have your system cleaned regularly—at least a couple of times a year. If the air conditioner is running continuously, you should replace your filter once a month.
Mistake #2: Failure to service the AC unit
Your air conditioning unit should be professionally serviced at least once a year. Small amounts of coolant absorbing and dispersing heat from the house may escape over time and make the system less efficient. Your unit must be serviced regularly to prevent significant problems and ensure that all parts are clean and ready to function properly.
Mistake #3: Failure to close windows and doors
Be mindful of your windows and doors if you wish to keep your home cool. Keep them closed during the hottest portion of the day, especially windows facing the sun. Leaving windows open not only lets cool air out of your home, but the unfiltered air can also upset any family members with seasonal allergies.
The majority of the heat enters the house via windows, even through closed windows that lack window coverings. When the air conditioner is turned on, you should close all the windows and doors.
Mistake #4: Installing your thermostat in the wrong place
Programmable thermostats allow you to set temperatures for different periods of the day, saving you money and hassle by managing your cooling without continual attention. But where your thermostat is located can make a big difference in its efficiency and effectiveness.
For example, suppose you put your thermostat too close to a sun-drenched window. The thermostat is likely to read the room temperature as significantly warmer than it actually is. On the flip side, you also shouldn’t put your thermostat in a place that is rarely used.
Typically, you want your thermostat in the room with the ideal target temperature for your entire home that is utilized most consistently.
Mistake #5: Forgetting to do regular maintenance regularly
To prep your AC for summer with spring cleaning, it’s important to handle routine maintenance like air filter cleaning and seasonal tune-ups, particularly if you have an older unit that doesn’t run as efficiently as newer models.
Keep your routine maintenance commitment so your equipment operates smoothly. While you can probably replace the air filter yourself, regularly scheduled professional tune-ups give the experts at Richmond’s Air the chance to thoroughly clean your machine and, if necessary, replace faulty parts and make minor modifications.
Mistake #6: Leaving electrical appliances plugged in and lights on
Any electrical appliance connected to a socket creates heat. Unplug any appliances if not in use during the hottest parts of the day to help keep your home’s temperature lower.
Certain light bulbs also generate heat. Turn lights off during the day when possible, or utilize energy-efficient light bulbs in your high-usage areas, such as LEDs.
Mistake #7: Cooking inside
Indoor cooking generates a lot of heat that stays in the home. Cooking appliances release heat energy, which causes an elevation in the overall temperature of the house.
As an alternative, try cooking your meals before or after the hottest point of the day, or stick to cold foods. You may also enjoy cooking outside, such as on the grill, as a way to avoid a stuffy kitchen.
Mistake #8: Not creating shade outside the windows
Shade is one of the best ways to keep your home cooler during the summer. External “blinds” are more effective than inside blinds as they block heat before coming through the window. You may save up to 25 percent of your cooling expenses by planting shade outside and using window coverings inside.
When to call Richmond’s Air
We all want to beat the heat this summer. By following the tips above and getting your AC unit on a regular maintenance schedule, you can stay cool all year round.
If your AC unit needs to be replaced or repaired, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Houston residential HVAC specialists at Richmond’s Air. Our licensed technicians will take a look at your air system and decide which route is best for you and your home.
