Californians, who depend a lot on air conditioning, know that regular maintenance goes a long way. What is wrong, though, is stopping there. Any expert in AC repair in Modesto or any nearby community knows that certain additions can boost an air conditioner’s performance and efficiency. Here are the pieces of technology that you should consider integrating into your cooling system:
A Programmable Thermostat
If you still do not have a thermostat with a programmable feature, you are likely wasting energy. Programmability allows your air conditioner to moderate its production of chilled air when there is little demand during different times of the day, especially at night or when you are away.
Upgrading to a programmable thermostat allows you to create settings based on your unique comfort preferences in advance. As a result, your thermostat will adjust temperature settings without human interference. This feature can cut down your annual air conditioning cost, for every degree you raise the temperature translate during the cooling season can translate to 2% utility bill reduction.
A programmable thermostat can also prolong the service life of your aging AC. This device can boost the performance of your cooling equipment, allowing it to run more efficiently and to experience less stress at work.
When you get a programmable thermostat, though, make sure to use its programmability. Many homeowners make the mistake of leaving it alone, thinking it will automatically adjust the temperature accordingly on its own after installation. Set your temperature preferences first, and only then you can forget about it.
Ceiling Fans
The wind chill factor makes the air colder than it is. Running a ceiling fan and an air conditioner at the same time can cool a room much faster, allowing to increase the temperature setting without sacrificing comfort.
A Heat Recovery Ventilator
An air conditioner has a filtration system that traps air contaminants to protect sensitive internal components. However, an air filter is not enough to improve indoor air quality. An AC will only re-circulate stale air within a house.
To expel unhealthy indoor air and to replace it with new drafts, add a heat recovery ventilation system into the mix. This equipment pulls the heat from the external air source and transfers the energy to the outgoing airstream, keeping the indoor space fresh.
Furthermore, this mechanical ventilator helps eliminate excessive moisture. Switching it on with your AC will result in more comfort because of the increased level of dry air.
UV Lamps
A filter can’t handle all air pollutants. Smaller particles can penetrate through the gaps, using the ducts to invade other areas around the house through an air conditioner.
There are many ways to eliminate hazardous mold spores and bacteria, but the use of ultraviolet light is arguably the most elegant solution. UV lamps kill all mold and bacteria present in the air that passes through them. Considering that evaporator coils tend to get damp in a humid climate, installing a UV light discourages the growth of these allergens.
An air conditioner alone can’t achieve your HVAC goals. Strongly consider complementing it with other pieces of technology to take your system’s performance to new heights.
