It’s getting hot again, and intense heat is no stranger to Arizonans. Soon, temperatures will regularly reach the 100-degree mark, so it’s becoming increasingly more important for homeowners to ensure their HVAC units are prepared. Without a functional or efficient air-conditioning (A/C) unit, a homeowner can quickly find themselves in a miserable setting all summer long.
Without a functional air-conditioning unit, heat can build up inside a home and reach temperatures well over 110 degrees. Meanwhile, the use of an inefficient air conditioner can cause the unit to overwork, which leads to a higher risk of the system breaking down. Either way, having an A/C unit that isn’t functional or efficient will cost the homeowner a significant amount of money.
To help make sure A/C units are properly prepared for intense heat and frequent use, homeowners can take a few simple steps to help ensure they stay cool all summer long.
Check insulation and airflow
Throughout the lifespan of an A/C, homes are hit by changes from weather and other external influences. This can cause small leaks that result in big problems. The best way to check for any leaks is to inspect the home’s insulation and airflow. If airflow through the A/C duct isn’t clear, then the unit’s efficiency could drop 40% — costing the owner more money while not properly cooling the home.
Switch to a peak plan
Both APS and SRPP offer peak plans to better manage electricity bills. Switching to a peak plan can help homeowners lower costs on their bills by taking advantage of nonpeak hours. Simply run the home’s A/C unit during nonpeak hours so the house will stay at a comfortable temperature throughout the day.
Install a programmable thermostat
The best way to ensure an A/C stays on the peak plan is to install a programmable thermostat. These smart thermostats can help homeowners save money and stay cool by running the unit as efficiently as possible in nonpeak hours. Make sure to double-check when the electricity company’s peak and nonpeak hours are as they change throughout the year.
Replace filters and
clean the unit
Dirty filters make an A/C unit work harder and can reduce the efficiency of the system. A/C filters should be replaced every month or so to help keep the home’s HVAC unit running at the top of its game. This also helps keep the air in the home clean and works to prevent sore throats!
Schedule A/C maintenance
Forrest Anderson technicians find that most HVAC units can last longer and avoid larger problems with regular maintenance. Proper HVAC maintenance should be scheduled at least twice a year to help keep the unit’s heating and cooling systems working properly. It’s not too late to schedule a routine maintenance check and get someone to inspect the home’s HVAC unit.
In Phoenix, having a functioning and efficient HVAC unit is a necessity that Arizonans can’t live without. When an HVAC unit is working properly, homeowners can live comfortably all summer long without inflated electricity bills. Every Arizona homeowner can take these simple steps to help make sure their HVAC units are well prepared for the upcoming heat.