May the 4th Be With You and Your Air Conditioning

Whether you are a Star Wars fan or not, “May the Fourth be with you” this spring as the temperatures start to climb and humidity runs amuck. It can be challenging to find the ideal climate for your home. There are several factors affecting your ideal humidity level, perfect temperature setting and the health of your heat pump or air conditioning system. Here are some valuable tips to improve your indoor air quality so you can relax and enjoy cool temperatures throughout the summer months.

Check Air Conditioning Filters Monthly

Be on the lookout for excess dust circulating and settling throughout your home. Too much dust creates a problem for your air filter if it’s not kept in check. It's recommended to replace or clean the air filter every one to three months, depending on the type of filter you have and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Luckily, we don’t live on Luke Skywalker’s home planet of Tatooine. He probably had to change the air filter every 10 minutes down on the old moisture farm! Even if you don’t notice an increase in dust in your home, still check the filter monthly to avoid clogs or restricted air flow in your system. Homes with pets need their filters changed more often than homes without pets. Pet hair and dander will clog an air filter quickly, restricting airflow and forcing your heat pump or cooling system to work harder to deliver cool temperatures to your home.

Inspect Your Coils and Vents Regularly

The evaporator coils in heat pumps and air conditioning systems are a common and dangerous place for mold to grow. Inspect your coils on a regular basis and keep them dry by wiping them down every so often. If you notice standing water near the intake vents, wipe it up and call an AC Southeast® dealer for assistance. Professional NATE-certified technicians will inspect your unit and diagnose the problem quickly. There are many different kinds of mold and are dangerous to the respiratory health of you and your loved ones. Inspecting the vents and coils on your heat pump or other cooling system will keep you and your system healthy.

Ideal Humidity Levels with a Dehumidifier

Humidity plays a huge factor in your home’s comfort and the health of your heating and cooling system. While humidity doesn’t raise the temperature, it does make those in your home feel hotter. Excess humidity prevents a body from cooling down because the sweat coming off the skin can’t evaporate. Your home turns into a swamp like Yoda’s yurt on Dagobah, leaving you drenched with sweat and feeling overheated. Many air conditioning systems have a built-in dehumidification function to draw out the moisture from indoor air. A whole-home dehumidifier doesn’t create cool air, it focuses its energy on reducing the amount of humidity in your home. It’s more effective at removing moisture from indoor air compared to an air conditioning dehumidification function. A dehumidifier handles more than just removing excess moisture from your indoor air. It prevents mold and mildew from forming in your home and inside your heating and cooling system. Your indoor air will be healthier and your home won’t suffer damage caused by mold growth. Heat pumps and air conditioning systems paired with a dehumidifier improve airflow and extend the lifespan of your HVAC unit. Schedule preventative maintenance this May to preserve your manufacturer’s warranty and to ensure your vents, ductwork and returns are free of obstructions, so your “force” of air can circulate throughout your home. Use a whole-home dehumidifier to control humidity and improve your indoor air quality. Contact AC Southeast® today and have your heat pump or air conditioning system serviced by NATE-certified heating and cooling technicians.