Top AC Tips for Summer

How To Stay Cool with Rising Summer Temperatures

For the greater Boston area, 2021 was the hottest summer on record. Weather forecasters predict another scorching, hotter-than-average summer this year, with many days reaching 90° or more. That kind of sustained heat can be brutally uncomfortable.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, dense urban areas like Boston can create “heat islands,” where the trapped temperatures are even higher. Depending on the neighborhood, temperatures can spike up to 20° higher than in surrounding areas.

This explains why Boston is ranked #6 on a list of US Cities with the Worst Urban Heat.

To help combat this problem, here are a few best tips to help you stay cool this summer.

Don’t Skimp On Maintenance

Savvy homeowners know that staying comfortable starts with proper air conditioner maintenance during the summer. Taking care of their air conditioner is the most important thing a homeowner can do to beat the heat.

But what, exactly, does AC maintenance entail?

The US Department of Energy says “the most important maintenance task” to ensure AC performance and efficiency is routinely replacing or cleaning the air filter.

A dirty or clogged air filter reduces the system’s airflow and overall efficiency. Furthermore, air will bypass a blocked AC air filter and cause dirt to accumulate directly into the unit’s evaporator coil. This impairs performance, shortens the working lifespan of the unit, and drastically increases energy use.

Just performing the straightforward maintenance task – replacing the air filter – can lower the air conditioner’s energy consumption by up to 15%.

And while replacing an air conditioner air filter is usually a homeowner-level chore, some AC maintenance tasks are best left to well-trained professionals:

• Cleaning air conditioner coils
• Clearing clogged condensate drains
• Checking for refrigerant level and leaks
• Checking for and sealing duct leaks
• Safely capturing refrigerant, rather than illegally releasing it into the atmosphere
• Measuring evaporator coil airflow
• Inspecting electrical components
• Oiling motors
• Tightening belts and checking them for excessive wear
• Ensuring that the thermostat is accurate

Invest in a High-Quality AC System

While every system needs regular maintenance, One can avoid many common cooling problems simply by investing in a good quality air-conditioning system. This is true for both new AC installations and AC replacement.

There’s a reason why the top HVAC companies prefer certain manufacturers – Trane, Lennox, Carrier, Amana, and Rheem. These proven brands offer performance, efficiency, and dependability and stand behind their products with a superior warranty.

There’s an old saying, ”The most expensive job is one that has to be done twice,” which certainly applies to air conditioning replacement. Not all units are created equal.  

A replacement AC system is not just another expense. Instead, it is an intelligent homeowner investment. It pays off immediately in terms of a cooler and more comfortable home and lowers cooling bills over time.

Let Your Fans Lend a Hand

If the home has a ceiling fan, one can use it to circulate cool air and support the air conditioner. That is their entire intended purpose. Ceiling fans create an artificial breeze that moves the air around, evaporates moisture on the skin, and creates a cooling sensation.

In terms of keeping the home comfortable, the ceiling fan direction matters. Running the fan counterclockwise helps draw the unwanted warm air away to circulate cool air during the hot summer. Running the fan clockwise during the cooler fall and winter months pushes the desired warm air down.

About Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning

For the past 60 years, Atlantic heating and air-conditioning have been the first and best resource for homeowners in the Greater Boston Area. From installation to maintenance to repair and even air conditioner replacement, Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning has the experience and expertise to handle every HVAC need. Contact them today for AC services!

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