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With Summer headed our way, you’re almost guaranteed to have hot and humid weather. The hot weather is sure to increase the energy your AC uses to cool down your home and this will lead to higher utility bills. Taking the time out to be proactive with your AC system and perform routine maintenance can make a difference in how well your AC operates. Here are four ways to minimize strain on your AC system.

Replace the Air Filters

You should check your filters at least once a month and replace them on a regular basis to get the maximum lifespan out of your AC system. This will also decrease the overall strain on the unit. Filters that are dirty or clogged cause your AC unit to use more energy to cool down your home. It’s also recommended that you make sure that the outside condenser unit is kept free from branches, leaves, and other debris.

Adjust the Thermostat When You’re Not at Home

If you’re gone most of the day or even part of the day, you don’t need to have the AC running. You can give your AC some time off by programming your thermostat to let the inside temperature go up when you’re gone and then back down when you arrive back home. If you don’t currently have a programmable thermostat, then have one installed. A programmable thermostat allows you to seamlessly raise the temperature and return it back to normal. Doing this can reduce the strain and ensures that you’re at a comfortable temperature once you walk in the door.

Enhance the Insulation and Sealing of the Air Ducts

You may want to update the insulation to decrease the strain of your AC system. Insulation that’s in ceilings and walls and also the seals that are around the windows and outside doors helps the temperature inside of your home to remain continuous. You should check to see if any windows or siding are faulty, and if they are, then they should be replaced. This ensures that the conditioned air remains inside of the home rather than leaking outside. An average of 40 percent of the AC energy ends up wasted due to badly insulated and sealed ductwork. You should have an AC professional insulate and seal your air ducts, and you will see the difference in how your AC system operates.

Have Your System Inspected Twice Per Year

Performing routine maintenance is crucial to extending the life of your AC system. You should have an AC professional inspect your system at least twice per year by performing maintenance activities such as changing the air filter, cleaning the coils, cleaning the ducts, and inspecting for anything else that could become a problem. System inspections ensure that your unit is in pristine condition and is running efficiently.