So far, you’ve managed the summer swelter as well as anyone can in Arizona. With Labor Day approaching, you check your Phoenix Area National Weather Service Temperature Guide and realize that there are still two more months of 100-degree plus days. Ouch! Summer just won’t quit, and National Weather Service statistics confirm, summer in Arizona is getting hotter and lasting longer.
Because air conditioning is critical to comfortable living in the desert, it’s often a good idea to do a late summer air conditioning essentials recap. Let’s take a moment to review your household’s unwritten AC rules and habits. Have your electric bills been sky high? Is everyone on the same page temperature-wise? Sometimes, one family member will crank up the AC and forget to reset the thermostat for days, which can really add up. Air conditioners tend to work quietly in the background, providing a cool environment for you and your family, so they are easy to forget. Here are three common air conditioning oversights that may be affecting your overall air conditioning bottom line.
Are You Guilty of Filthy Filters?
This may be the most common oversight of all air conditioning-related issues. In Arizona’s dusty desert climate, clean air filters are absolutely essential. Running your AC unit 24/7 throughout the entire summer means you are moving a tremendous volume of air through your home each and every day. Replacing your air conditioning filters on a monthly basis is advised, especially if you have someone with a respiratory condition living in your home. In some parts of the country, replacing air filters once every three months is common. However, the level of dust, pollens, particulates and pollution in Phoenix demands more. Did you know that dirty filters can add up to 15 percent to your electric bill? In summertime, for the sake of your health, get in the habit of changing your filters on the first of every month.
Is It Time to Upgrade Your Thermostat?
There’s no doubt, the first wave of wi-fi programmable thermostats were a bit complicated and not for everyone, especially the technically challenged. However, over the last five years, programmable thermostats have grown incredibly more useful and much easier to use. Consider these benefits:
- Smart thermostats get to know your schedule and habits and will adjust the temperature accordingly.
- Raising the temperature when you are at work or away from the house saves money.
- Programmable thermostats save you time – you won’t be forgetting to constantly reset the temperature.
- Some models include a phone app that allows you to control your thermostat from anywhere.
Are You “Saving” Money by Putting Off Service?
One of the most serious oversights when it comes to air conditioning is saving money by foregoing regular service calls. It’s easy enough to forget. Especially if your AC unit seems to be working just fine. Yet, it’s important to remember that the desert is an unforgiving place. Many AC units are located on the roof where temperatures can exceed 140 degrees. Running flat out for months at a time, HVAC systems are put under tremendous stress. The extreme heat, the constant vibration, the exposure to the sun and storms, dust and monsoons – it all adds up over time. Regular service calls with our expert technicians will keep your air conditioner running in top form and prevent big breakdowns which always seem to happen at the worst times. The simple fact is regular maintenance is the best insurance against expensive major repairs.
Let Us Oversee Your HVAC
At Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating, we believe in preventive maintenance and making sure little problems don’t turn into big ones. Our friendly and experienced technicians will assess your HVAC system and provide you with excellent service to keep your AC running cold and strong all summer long.
