Air Conditioning Tips in Pittsburgh, PA

Expert Tips to Improve Your Air Conditioner’s Efficiency

AC efficiency is how well it uses its energy source (electricity) to provide cooling. Modern air conditioners are more energy efficient than ever, but you can take steps to make sure your AC works at its efficiency peak:

• Always have the AC professionally maintained once a year.
• Keep the thermostat set at a steady temperature during the day, and a different setting at night.
• Change the air filter regularly, every 1–3 months.
• Keep all vents and registers open and unobstructed.
• Clean the outdoor unit of the AC and keep the area around it clear for about a foot.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your AC System

The average central air conditioning system can last 10–15 years. To help your AC reach the upper level of its expectancy, we recommend that you schedule maintenance for it every spring before the summer heat starts. Also, avoid overtaxing it on hot days by keeping the thermostat set as high as you find comfortable. (Keep in mind that an AC can only lower the temperature by 20°F, so don’t try to force it to work harder.)

Energy-Saving Tips for Cooling Your Home in Summer

You can help your AC do its job with some steps that will make your house cooler during the summer scorchers:

• Close shutters or blinds over windows that allow in direct sunlight.
• Refrain from operating heat-using appliances such as the stove until the cooler daylight hours.
• Use natural light as much as possible during daylight hours. Changing to LED lights, which emit less heat, will also make a difference.
• Run your AC on "fan only" mode for air circulation that uses far less power.
• Install ceiling fans—they can make you feel 8°F cooler, and that often means you won’t need to have the AC on.

Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Professional Attention

Watch for these warnings that it’s time to call the Boehmer Heating & Cooling pros for AC service:

• The AC starts and stops too often (short-cycling)
• You notice strange noises or odd smells from the AC or vents
• Airflow from the vents is weak
• When the air conditioner comes on, it often trips the circuit breaker
• Hot spots appear in your house when the AC is running
• The air conditioner isn’t able to cool your house enough

Simple Maintenance Tips for Your Pittsburgh Home’s AC System

Professional maintenance is key for your AC’s longevity and efficiency. However, there are basic maintenance steps you can do on your own between visits from our pros:

• Remember to change the air filter on the AC for a clean one every 1–3 months.
• Clean the AC’s condenser cabinet if it’s dirty. Use a hose on low pressure.
• Clear the condenser of plants, rocks, and other possible obstructions for one foot on all sides.
• During the winter, cover the condenser cabinet with a tarp or special AC cover to keep water and other debris from getting inside.

How to Keep Your AC Running Efficiently During Heatwaves

When the summer heat ratchets up, you may feel tempted to shove the thermostat down as low as it can go to stay cool. But this not only wastes immense amounts of power, it risks causing your air conditioner to freeze up or overheat and fail. We recommend you keep the thermostat set around 78°F and wear light clothing. Drink water and stay hydrated, or take a shower to cool down. Using ceiling fans or standing fans to help people feel cooler and take the strain off the AC.

Why You Should Schedule Regular AC Tune-Ups

Air conditioning maintenance tune-ups are essential if you want your AC to last for many years with few problems. These tune-ups are also necessary to keep the warranty valid. When you stay on top of maintenance, you can expect your cooling system to reach its longest possible service life and save you money on your utility bills and on repair costs—because you’ll rarely need to have it repaired!

The Role of Proper Ventilation in Keeping Your Home Cool

Too many homes today lack the air ventilation necessary for good indoor air quality. We recommend that you rely as much as possible on open windows to stay cool; just remember to close the windows when the AC is on so it can work efficiently. Ventilation not only helps to keep you cool, it gives a chance for air replacements: the stale indoor air, often filled with pollutants from indoor sources, can escape outside as fresher air enters. Did you know that the air indoors is often 3–5 times more polluted than the air outdoors? That’s one of the reasons you want your home well-ventilated!