During the summertime, it’s common for your AC system to work overtime to keep up with your cooling preferences, especially when the temperatures soar above 95 degrees. To maximize your indoor summer comfort, you should invest in HVAC maintenance and consider upgrading to a new thermostat. You can also use ceiling fans to circulate a cool breeze throughout your Hilton Head home. Here’s a look at six ways to maintain indoor comfort this summer.
Invest in HVAC Maintenance
An HVAC system that operates with optimal efficiency can improve home comfort throughout the year. You should schedule regular HVAC maintenance to keep your unit up and running effectively. During a maintenance session, a technician will inspect all components of the cooling system and repair any damaged parts. With all parts working as they should, this will help the system keep up with your cooling preferences. It also enhances energy efficiency, which is crucial to keeping your cooling expenses to a minimum.
Upgrade to a New Thermostat
Another way to maximize indoor summer comfort is to upgrade to a new thermostat, particularly if you don’t have a programmable version. With a programmable thermostat, you can create a cooling schedule that accommodates your unique cooling needs. When you go to work, you can have the thermostat preprogrammed to ensure that your home stays at a more moderate temperature. This decreases wear and tear on the system and helps improve its efficiency so it can keep your home at a lower temperature when you’re there.
Adjust the Temperature
You can adjust the temperature in your home to improve indoor comfort, as well. When you sleep, set a programmable thermostat to keep your bedroom at a cool 60 to 67 degrees. A lower setting helps you maintain a lower core body temperature, which is paramount to getting a good night’s rest. You can schedule the thermostat to start raising the temperature in your home about an hour before you get up each morning to ensure that you wake up to a comfortable environment.
Check Your Air Filter
Using the wrong filter for your HVAC system restricts its ability to maintain proper airflow, making it work harder than normal. It causes the system to consume more energy, and it increases your cooling expenses, as well. Most importantly, it makes it more difficult for the cooling system to keep up with your lower temperature preferences.
To avoid this problem, you should change the air filter any time it’s dirty. You should also make sure to use an air filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of between 10 and 16. Keep in mind that filters with higher MERV ratings can restrict airflow, which compromises indoor comfort.
Use Ceiling Fans
During the summertime, make sure the ceiling fans are set to run counterclockwise. This pushes cool air downward and creates a cool breeze throughout your home, which improves indoor comfort. When it’s not miserably hot outside, you can even turn off the AC, open the windows, and use ceiling fans to keep your home cool and reduce your energy bills.
Install an Air Purification System
By connecting an air purifier to your HVAC system, you can leverage whole-home air purification to your advantage. This type of system removes airborne contaminants, making it easier to breathe. This is an especially effective way to maximize indoor comfort if you suffer from allergies or asthma. The removal of airborne contaminants such as dust, dirt, and pollen will help keep your symptoms to a minimum. Plus, since fewer contaminants make their way into the HVAC system, it can operate more efficiently to keep you cool when it’s hot outside.
Contact Byrd Heating and Air Conditioning at 912-373-8447 to find out more about ways to maximize indoor summer comfort in your Hilton Head home. You can also check out our HVAC maintenance plans and learn about the different types of thermostats and air purification systems that we offer. You can even ask about installing a smart thermostat, which makes it even easier to maintain home comfort during the warmer months.
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