If you were living in Edmonton around this time last year, you know how brutal that mid-summer heatwave was! We saw temperatures nearing the 40 degrees celsius point in Alberta’s capital, and even the most robust central air systems and air conditioners had a hard time keeping up. Even the most well-cared-for systems had to work hard to keep homes comfortable. As for the ones that did not receive proper care… Well, you know.
So today the Ignite team is going to cover you for when you may find yourself in a time of need! In this month’s blog, we’re going to share 3 ways to keep your home cool this summer!
Let It Flow.
If you’re struggling to keep your home cool during a heatwave, consider letting the air flow freely through your home! Your ticket to a cooler house this summer could be as simple as opening room doors and vents. If designed and built correctly, your central air system should be “balanced.” What this means is that a balanced system is one where air pressure flowing in one direction, should match the air pressure that’s being pushed in the opposite direction. HVAC professionals will typically achieve this state of free-flowing air with no blockages present. However, if you’re experiencing big temperature differences between floors in your home, despite all of the doors and vents being open, there may be a more serious issue to address.
Consider A “Smart” Alternative.
When it comes to smart thermostats, if being able to adjust your home’s temperature while you’re not even there wasn’t cool enough, you’ll think it’s pretty cool when you finally get one! Realistically, the easiest way to save money, and make your HVAC system more efficient, is to consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. Devices like Ecobee can intelligently control your home air conditioning activity remotely, or be programmed to kick on at a specific time of day. Whether it’s using motion sensors to detect your presence or synced to turn the AC on at a specific time every day, a smart thermostat can save you around 10% a year on your heating and cooling costs. If an Ecobee is something you’re considering, check out our blog about it right here to learn more!
If You Don’t Know… Call A Pro!
So, you’ve opened all of the doors and vents in your home, replaced your air filters and even installed a smart thermostat. If you still cannot achieve a reasonably cool home, it’s time to call an HVAC professional. Whether it’s a top-up of refrigerant fluids, cleaning your air conditioners evaporator coils or simply checking your system for leaks, an HVAC professional will be able to diagnose the problem and fix any issues that you shouldn’t attempt fixing yourself. It should also be within consideration to sign up for seasonal maintenance plans (like the Ignite Comfort Club) to save you additional money if you’re only replacing a moving part or if your system needs to be replaced entirely.
Maintenance and careful upgrades to your central air system reduce the chances of it failing in your hour of need. Keeping a careful eye on your home’s HVAC health can benefit you in many ways including lower monthly energy bills, and additional saving down the road by extending the life of your entire central air system!