With monsoon season now here, dewpoints are thankfully beginning to rise. This means a break from the relentless dry heat and hopefully some precipitation in the very near future. What are some ways to help keep your home cool and comfortable during this time?
Air Balancing
Air balancing delivers the right amount of air conditioning to every room in your home. A professional HVAC technician will test and adjust your AC system to improve air circulation and increase comfort. The National Comfort Institute says air balancing is one of the most important steps in HVAC performance. Your Bruce’s HVAC expert can check for air drafts, fix ductwork, check and adjust the AC blower fan speed, adjust ceiling fans, and install additional return ducts if needed.
Air Filters
The best way to extend the life of your HVAC system is to check your air filters. Dirty air filters cause your AC to work harder to keep your house cool. A reduction in air flow can result in your cooling system overheating and shutting down. Regularly checking and changing dirty air filters will save 5% to 15% on your monthly utility bills and improve your home’s air quality.
Window Coverings
The sun’s energy falls on double-pane windows without drapes, shutters, shades, or blinds, entering your house as heat according to Energy.gov—causing your HVAC unit to work longer to keep your house comfortable. Insulated cellular shades can help by reducing solar heat through windows by up to 80%. With blinds, you can easily adjust the sunlight entering your house and diffuse it without too much glare or additional heat. Drapes and curtains with white plastic backings can further reduce summer heat gain by a third or more.
Exterior home awnings, if your house can accommodate them, can reduce solar heat gain up to 65% on south facing windows and 77% on west facing windows. Installing adjustable or retractable awnings are best for summer and for using in the winter to allow sunlight inside. Solar window screens can also be installed on windows, reducing glare, decreasing solar heat gain, and minimizing UV damage to furniture, accessories, and carpet.
Window low-e film can also work well when you want unobstructed window views along with reductions in solar heat gain, UV blocking, and glare. Window film is most effective on east and west facing windows. South facing windows benefit in the summer but will reduce heat entering your home from the winter sun. North facing windows will not benefit at all from window film.
Given the extreme weather conditions of the monsoon season in Arizona, it’s a smart idea to call the pros at Bruce’s for service. Schedule time now by calling our experts at 480-968-5652.
