Southern Trust Home Services, southern Virginia’s leading HVAC, plumbing and electrical provider, wants to help area homeowners beat the summer heat and prevent damage to their HVAC systems. The BBB A+ rated-company has four tips to help prepare Roanoke-area homes for even the hottest summer days.
“Summer in Southern Virginia is beautiful, but it can often be one of the most costly seasons for homeowners if they don’t take precautions and prepare their HVAC units for the sweltering days ahead” said Ted Puzio, owner of Southern Trust Home Services. “There are few quick checks that a homeowner can do to make sure they stay comfortable during the hottest days of the year.”
- Change air filters regularly – Inspect and change your air conditioning system’s air filter each month to ensure proper airflow and prevent higher cooling costs. This is the number one tip for saving energy and keeping your system from overworking. Southern Trust recommends if you are unable change your air filter once a month, at the very least change it no less than once every three months.
- Examine your thermostat – Check to make sure your thermostat is working properly and keeping your home at the right temperature. If you still have an older mechanical thermostat, we recommend upgrading to digital, programmable model. Switching to a programmable thermostat can save you upwards of $200 a year. Some new models even allow for remote operation via a cell phone. Remote options are perfect for extreme temperature days, since you can save energy by setting the temperature higher during the day and then lower the temperature before heading home.
- Keep your outdoor A/C unit clean and clear – Take a few minutes to inspect the area around your outdoor unit. Leaves, shrubs and grass cuttings can build up on the outside of your air conditioner unit decreasing the system capacity and reducing airflow. The general rule is to keep the debris at least 2 feet away from the unit so it is free to pull in air.
- Seal any gaps– Inspect both the interior and exterior of your home’s windows, air ducts, and exterior doors for any cracks or gaps that may have developed during the winter months. Even a small gap can lead to cool air escaping and more energy you are wasting.