The highest temperatures of the year are around the corner. With summer officially arrived, it is important to keep in mind that air conditioning isn’t only about keeping your home cool and comfortable; increasing temperatures affect us in many ways.
According to NASA, work productivity decreases by 45% when temperatures reach 95o F. In addition, high temperatures and humidity can be dangerous for people in poor health. For example, heat exacerbates the symptoms of MS, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society says sufferers may qualify for a tax deduction on air conditioning equipment with a physician’s prescription.
Not only does the heat lower work production and aggravate symptoms of neurological conditions, it could interfere with sleep habits and patterns, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
A properly maintained air conditioning system will help keep homeowners and their families comfortable and healthy all summer long and, if the air conditioning system is running efficiently, can actually help to lower peak summer energy bills. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, the largest HVAC company in North America with 90 locations across the continent, has provided a few tips that will help keep air conditioners running properly and efficiently during the heat of the summer.
- Air conditioning equipment should be cleaned annually to maintain proper function. The manufacturer’s manual usually will explain how to flush the drain to help prevent mold and mildew from forming in the equipment. This cleaning service is included in every Precision™ Tune-Up from Service Experts, along with cleaning the outside system to remove grass, dirt, and other debris that could be affecting the air conditioner’s ability to function efficiently.
- In mild climates, it is okay to turn the air conditioning system off when no one will be home. It typically won’t take an excessive amount of energy to cool the house upon return, depending on the size of the home. A programmable thermostat allows for the temperature to be adjusted up or down from a phone or computer so homeowners can adjust the temperature before leaving the office to ensure the house is cool upon arrival.
- Humidity during the summer often makes it feel much, much warmer than the actual temperature. A properly designed and sized air conditioning and air ductwork system will remove humidity from the air as the cooling system operates. Leaving air supply registers (room air vents) closed, even in rooms that are not in use, could contribute to poor air flow and increased indoor humidity. Closing air vents may also cause the air conditioning system to run less efficiently and possibly increase energy costs, and create hot spots throughout the house due to the restriction of air flow.
- During an annual air conditioning tune-up, an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) technician will evaluate safety features, fluids, parts, ductwork and other aspects of the system. This helps ensure the entire comfort system is operating at peak efficiency. Also remember, in many cases the manufacturer’s warranty isn’t valid if the system doesn’t receive a yearly tune-up service, so it is important to make sure maintenance is up to date on an air conditioning system to keep the warranty and lower repair costs. From June 27th – August 19th, Service Experts locations will offer sales on Precision™ Tune-Ups. Discounts vary by location, from about 30-70% off the regular price.
- If investing in an HVAC system upgrade, know that Lennox is offering up to $1700 off certain equipment this summer. In some cities, local utility companies are offering rebates. Service Experts reports that 75% of their coverage areas have local rebates available, and all Service Experts locations are offering Lennox Rebates as well as many other product and service discounts. The U.S. government is even offering $500 tax credits on new high-efficiency equipment purchased by the end of 2016. (Certain sustainable systems have even higher discounts over a longer timeframe.) These credits can be combined with manufacturer’s rebates and Service Experts monthly payment programs to maximize savings to consumers.
Founded in 1996, Service Experts is a leading provider of HVAC repair, maintenance, new equipment sales and related services to residential and commercial customers in 29 states in the U.S. and three provinces in Canada. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Service Experts is North America’s largest heating and air conditioning company, with 90 locations serving approximately 2,000 homes and businesses, on average, each working day. HVAC services include: residential HVAC service and replacement; ancillary residential home services, including plumbing, indoor air quality and energy audits; and commercial HVAC service, maintenance and replacement for both light commercial customers and large-scale national retail accounts.
