By: Melanie Powers, President — Goodberlet Home Services
With the arrival of summer’s scorching temperatures, maintaining a comfortably cool home environment becomes a priority for homeowners. As someone deeply immersed in the home services industry, Melanie Powers of Goodberlet Home Services understands the intricate relationship between efficient cooling systems and overall household comfort. Neglecting essential air conditioning maintenance can quickly transform your sanctuary into an unbearable sauna, leading to unnecessary discomfort and potential system breakdowns.
Throughout my career, Melanie has witnessed firsthand the distress homeowners experience when their air conditioning units falter during the unrelenting summer heat. However, many of these predicaments can be avoided through proactive measures and a comprehensive understanding of proper cooling system care. By investing time and effort into optimizing your home’s air conditioning, you can ensure a consistently refreshing indoor environment while maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing costly repairs.
From changing air filters and cleaning vents to implementing energy-saving strategies, these practical tips will empower you to create a comfortable, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious cooling solution. By prioritizing preventative maintenance, you can enhance your home’s overall livability and safeguard the longevity of your air conditioning unit, ensuring it operates at peak performance when you need it most.
Step 1: Regularly change your home’s air filter
Regularly changing your air conditioning unit’s air filter is a simple yet crucial step in maintaining optimal cooling performance. Air filters play a vital role in trapping airborne pollutants, dust, and debris, preventing them from circulating throughout your home and compromising indoor air quality.
However, when filters become clogged, they restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder and consume more energy to achieve the desired temperature. This increased strain can lead to higher utility bills and accelerated wear on your AC unit’s components.
According to the Department of Energy, replacing a dirty, clogged air filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent. Melanie recommends checking and changing your air filters monthly during peak cooling seasons to maximize efficiency. This proactive maintenance enhances energy savings while prolonging your system’s lifespan, which helps prevent costly repairs or premature replacements.
Step 2: Consistently clean your home’s air vents
Effective cooling relies not only on a well-maintained air conditioning unit but also on unobstructed airflow throughout your home’s ductwork and vents. Over time, dust, pet hair, and other debris can accumulate within these air pathways, hindering the distribution of cool air and reducing your system’s overall efficiency.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, buildup in ducts can cause your cooling system to lose up to 25 percent of its operating efficiency. To combat this issue, incorporate regular vent cleaning into your home maintenance routine. For surface-level cleaning, you can use a vacuum attachment or duster to remove visible debris from vent covers and easily accessible ductwork.
However, for a more comprehensive deep clean, it’s advisable to enlist the services of a professional duct cleaning company. Their specialized equipment and expertise can effectively remove deeply embedded contaminants, ensuring optimal airflow and enhancing your cooling system’s performance.
Step 3: Maximize energy efficiency
Implementing energy-efficient practices reduces your carbon footprint and can translate into substantial cost savings on your utility bills. Air conditioning accounts for up to 54 percent of a household’s energy expenditure, although this can vary depending on your home’s location and the specific air conditioning unit it contains. Taking proactive steps to optimize your cooling system’s efficiency can significantly minimize this financial burden while contributing to a more sustainable future.
One simple yet effective strategy is to adjust your thermostat settings judiciously. For every degree you raise the thermostat above 72 degrees Fahrenheit, you can reduce your cooling costs by approximately 3 percent. Additionally, consider investing in a programmable thermostat, which allows you to preset temperature schedules that align with your routine, avoiding unnecessary cooling when you’re away from home.
Beyond thermostat adjustments, simple measures like closing blinds or curtains during peak sunlight hours, using ceiling fans to circulate cool air, and sealing drafts around windows and doors can further enhance your home’s energy efficiency. Moreover, scheduling annual professional tune-ups for your air conditioning system can identify and address potential issues, ensuring optimal performance and maximizing energy savings.
Proactive maintenance not only enhances your comfort but also ensures the longevity of your cooling equipment, preventing costly repairs or premature replacements. As the summer heat intensifies, maintaining a refreshingly cool home environment becomes a priority for homeowners.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can optimize your air conditioning system’s performance while minimizing utility costs and environmental impact.
— Melanie Powers is an accomplished leader in the home services industry. With a background in Interior Architecture from Columbia College, she began her career as a project manager in HVAC. Rising as President and CEO of Goodberlet Home Services, Melanie expanded the company’s services to include plumbing and electrical, driving a 600% growth in revenue. Her strategic vision and dedication to excellence continue to inspire success in the field and pave the way for female empowerment in a predominantly male industry.
Published By: Aize Perez
