AC/ Air Conditioner

 

The heat and humidity have arrived early this year. Based on the forecast and the humidity, it may be necessary to fire up the air conditioner.

Home cooling costs can be sizeable during the summer months in Plainfield, using the AC earlier than usual adds to the energy cost. However, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to keep your home cool.

Make sure your air conditioner is ready for its long job ahead and that it won’t bust your budget this year. Follow these seven tips to keep cool and keep your money in your pocket this summer.

1.       Clear the Condenser

After a long winter and spring of rain, falling leaves, snow, heavy winds; garbage, debris and weeds can collect around the outside unit, the condenser (outdoor AC unit). When the condenser is crowded with leaves and junk it can cause the unit to overheat and operate less efficiently. Make sure there is at least two feet of horizontal breathing room around the unit. Make sure nothing is on top of the unit and that the top has a 6-foot horizontal breathing space.

2.       Change the Filter Frequently

Clogged filters are a major contributor to increased cooling costs. A dirty filter can cause the AC system to work twice as hard to keep the air flowing. Dirty filters can also cause the system to overheat or blow warm air instead of cold air. We recommend changing your filter every 30 to 90 days.

3.       Switch Ceiling Fans to Counter-Clockwise

Ceiling fans don’t just blow a cool breeze, ceiling fans can help save money. During the summer, the fan should turn counterclockwise. This motion will help move the hot air up and out of the main space while producing a chilling effect that can help make your room feel around 8 degrees cooler.

4.       Seal Your Home Properly

Air leaks around windows and doors can bring in moisture during the humid summer days. The additional moisture and humidity within your home can tax your HVAC system and waste energy. Ensure these areas are properly sealed and you will save on your energy bills as well as save your HVAC system for overworking itself.

5.       Close the Curtains

Curtains, and even blinds, hung over the windows can help keep heat out during the summer months. Curtains and blinds don’t just keep hot air from entering through improperly sealed windows but can keep out the hot sun and keep it from heating up the room.

6.       Schedule Annual Service

According to the US Department of Energy, “neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases.”  Without maintaining your HVAC system ensures the system will use more energy while performing worse. It will end up costing you more money to operate a less effective system.

7.       Invest in a New Energy Efficient Unit

If your HVAC system is older than 10-15 years, it requires more and more repairs every season, or your utility bills have increased, it may be time to consider installing a new energy efficient system.  A new energy efficient air conditioner will keep your home cool and comfortable even on the hottest days – and use less energy doing it.

Superior Service for Your Home

TR Miller Heating, Cooling & Plumbing offers professional air conditioning repair service at a competitive rate. We put your safety and comfort before anything else. Trust in our award-winning customer service.

We’re also ready to help in case of emergencies! If you need AC repair services at any time, just pick up the phone and give us a call.

 

Author

  • brian sloan headshot

    Brian Sloan is the President of TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, one of the western Chicago suburbs' leading family owned home service companies, serving homeowners across more than 80 communities throughout Will, Kendall, DuPage, Kane, and Cook counties.

    TR Miller is more than a business to Brian, it's a family legacy. The company was founded by his father, Tim Miller, and Brian and his brother Jim have played an important role in growing the business from a small local operation into a full service residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical company serving homeowners throughout the greater Chicagoland area.

    Brian's perspective on the home services industry comes from firsthand experience. Before taking on leadership responsibilities, he worked in the field as an HVAC Service Technician and Fabrication Technician, diagnosing heating and cooling systems, assembling custom HVAC components, and supporting residential installations throughout the western suburbs.

    That hands on foundation continues to influence the way Brian leads TR Miller today. He understands both the work taking place inside a customer's home and the systems, training, and support required behind the scenes to consistently deliver a great customer experience.

    Over the course of his career at TR Miller, Brian has worked across nearly every major area of the business, including operations, marketing, sales, job coordination, customer service, finance, and leadership. Today, as President, he is responsible for the overall strategy, growth, culture, and performance of the organization.

    That breadth of experience across both the technical and business sides of home services has helped shape how TR Miller operates: combining the systems and accountability of a professionally run organization with the care, responsiveness, and personal connection of a family business.
    Brian's philosophy is straightforward, make home services convenient and reliable while giving homeowners the information they need to make the best decisions for their homes and families. That means educating customers, providing clear options and upfront pricing, and making sure homeowners understand both what was found and why a repair or replacement may be recommended.

    Under Brian's leadership, TR Miller has expanded beyond HVAC into plumbing and electrical services, grown across multiple locations, invested heavily in technical and leadership development, and been recognized seven times on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest growing privately held companies.

    Credentials & Affiliations:
    - President, TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical
    - Membership Officer, YPO Chicagoland
    - Board Member, Nexstar Network
    - Former Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce
    - Associate's Degree, Waubonsee Community College
    - Former HVAC Service Technician & Fabrication Technician, TR Miller
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