Though summertime’s for living easy (or so the song goes), keeping your house comfortably cool can create significant AC strain. Your central air-conditioning system incorporates moving parts and pressurized gas, as well as high-voltage electricity and a very hot environment. Wear and tear (aka AC strain) is inevitable.

In mild weather, an AC in a typical home cycles on for about 15 minutes three times per hour. During a summer heat wave, conversely, the air conditioner may run almost nonstop to maintain desired indoor temperatures. In all conditions, steps to reduce AC strain lower operating costs, reduce repairs, and help extend system life expectancy. Here are some suggestions to make summer easier on your central air conditioner:

• Reduce heat gain. Heat entering the structure causes longer AC cycles and strains system components, such as the expensive compressor. Evaluate attic insulation to reduce the effect of heat energy infiltrating through the roof. Seal air leaks around windows and doors with caulking and weatherstripping to prevent the infiltration of hot air. During the hottest time of day, close curtains to reduce the amount of solar energy that’s entering the house through window glass.
• Consider ceiling fans. Ceiling fans move air continuously while consuming very little electricity. Though the actual room temperature doesn’t drop, the effect of air movement makes occupants feel cooler. This allows you to move the thermostat setting up a few degrees, reducing AC cycles and associated wear and tear while also lowering operating costs.
• Replace the filter. A clean HVAC air filter reduces system wear and tear caused by extended cooling cycles that result from inadequate air circulation. Ask your HVAC contractor about the time frame for air filter replacement to maximize airflow and reduce strain on vital components.
• Schedule seasonal maintenance. Regular precision maintenance tune ups by a certified HVAC contractor combines vital maintenance procedures that reduce wear and tear and increase cooling performance with an up-close inspection and cleaning of all components to detect incipient issues. What’s more, professional precision maintenance tune ups are required by the warranty terms of many HVAC components.

To minimize AC strain while maximizing cool comfort this summer, talk to the professionals at Jackson & Sons.