As July looms closer, the temperatures on Long Island are beginning to rise. Projections indicate it will be a scorcher with worse to come over the next few years. The period from this year through 2027 is supposed to bring record breaking heat with the return of El Niño… so here are some summer tips to help you through the upcoming months.
How Do I Prepare My HVAC for Summer?
There are several steps to take in preparing for the high-use summertime. The first order of business is changing your filters and starting the season with fresh ones. Clean the outside of your HVAC and the area around it, ensuring a two-foot radius of empty space around it for airflow.
Program your thermostat to a higher temperature for times you will not be home, such as during the workday. A range of 78 degrees when at home to 88 degrees when away is often advised for optimum energy savings.
In addition, cleaning the inside of the unit and physical maintenance are also highly advised. Since doing this requires shutting off power and working on the inside of your HVAC, it is advised that you bring an HVAC maintenance professional rather than try to do this part yourself.
Is It Cheaper to Leave AC Running in Summer?
That depends, and in some cases it does. It is cheaper to technically leave it running all day if you change your usage to adhere to the thermostat temps noted above – namely a temperature in the 80s. That way the AC can kick in if it becomes too hot but otherwise won’t be running all the time. Keeping your AC running full tilt the entire day is far from efficient.
Should I Leave HVAC Fan on in Summer?
As with the question of leaving the HVAC on, the answer is a qualified yes. Leaving it on all the time increases wear and tear on the system and will also increase your energy costs.
The best advice here is to set it for automatic. This way, the fan only runs when the system is on. During the down times in-between, condensation from the cooling coils can be drained away and routed out of the home.
Does Your HVAC Work Harder in Summer?
Most certainly. Think about what you feel like while working outside during the heat. Perhaps mowing the lawn. It’s the same with your HVAC.
The hotter the temperature is outside, the more your HVAC has to work to keep you comfortable inside. This is why your power bill spikes upward during the hottest months of the year.
Tragar – Your Five-Star HVAC Provider Since 1956
For more than six decades, family-owned Tragar Home Services has provided 5-star heating, cooling, and plumbing services to Nassau and Suffolk County homeowners. Whether you need ongoing maintenance, emergency repairs, moving a thermostat, or a complete HVAC installation… our highly trained and professional staff will work with you to devise a customized and strategic game plan for maximizing your comfort while reducing your energy costs.
Contact us today, and if it’s an emergency (day or night) we have the fastest emergency response time on the island at roughly two hours.
