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While fall typically means a chill in the air, locally there's a good chance September will bring hot weather. So it's a good time for homeowners to check out home operating systems for both cooling and heating efficiencies before colder weather sets in. Making sure things are in working order can extend the life of operating systems and achieve energy conservation at the same time.
According to the Home Warranty Association of California, it's a good idea to review a checklist for air conditioning efficiency and maintenance, clothes dryer conservation, and pool and spa maintenance. The association offers the following tips:
For air conditioning or heating efficiency and maintenance, the association recommends that thermostats be set at the highest comfortable temperature. Typical settings are 78 degrees for summer cooling, as compared to 70 degrees for winter heating. The association points out that energy costs for operating the air conditioner increase from 3 to 8 percent for each degree the thermostat is lowered below 78 degrees.
To conserve energy during hot days, draw drapes and blinds and make sure furniture or drapes do not block the airflow from the air conditioner. On cold days, opening the drapes will bring in sunlight and heat.
For optimum performance, it's a good idea to clean or replace filters in the cooling and heating system once a year. At the end of summer is a good time to make sure filters are good to go before the winter cold season.
If air does not feel cool or hot enough, check the following items before seeking professional advice: Is the air filter clogged? Are the registers allowing air to flow? Is the thermostat set too high or too low?
In hot weather, avoid undermining the effectiveness of the air conditioner by letting direct sunlight into the room and avoid using heat-generating appliances, such as ranges and clothes dryers. Clothes dryers can also interfere with the effectiveness of an air conditioner.
The association recommends that to cut down on electrical costs, homeowners run dryer loads consecutively to keep the dryer warm and reduce energy demand.
One way to avoid the heat of the dryer is to run clothes through an extra spin cycle in the washing machine. This allows savings by lessening the time it takes to dry a load of clothes, since it costs less to run the washing machine than the dryer. It's best to run heavy-use appliances like clothes dryers in the evening after 7 p.m. when peak-use times are over.
Pool and spa operating systems also need constant attention and preventive maintenance to avoid problems throughout the year.
Keeping the filter clean on a regular basis is the best way to avoid unforeseen problems. A dirty filter is the most common cause of problems associated with pool or spa equipment. If the filter is dirty, it can prevent the proper cleaning of the pool or spa and prevent the heater from working effectively.
By following these tips from the Home Warranty Association of California and by doing proper and preventive home maintenance, homeowners can keep their homes in great shape throughout the seasons.
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