As summertime temperatures reach their highest point, you’ll rely even more on your air conditioner. However, you may be shocked to discover that your AC offers more than just cool air on a hot summer day. Keep reading to learn about some surprising ways to get creative with your air conditioner.
Cut Down on Home Humidity
While your air conditioner primarily cools your home, it also reduces humidity, the amount of moisture in your air. Many people think of humidity affecting how the outside air feels, but humid air in your house can make you feel uncomfortable. Since you live in a humid climate, keeping your home humidity low is crucial.
Excessive humidity not only makes your home uncomfortable, but it also damages it. Too much humidity damages wooden furniture and flooring, causing them to warp and bend over time. Additionally, excess humidity creates the perfect breeding ground for bacterial growth, like mold and mildew, which can make your home unsafe.
Your AC helps reduce humidity by promoting airflow and ventilation. In some cases, ACs feature a “dry” setting that removes humidity.
Boost Energy Efficiency
Contrary to what you may have assumed, you don’t have to forfeit comfort for efficiency during the summer months. While your air conditioner requires more power than some other home appliances, using it wisely during the hottest part of the year doesn’t mean you have to deal with soaring utility bills. In fact, you can use your AC to enhance energy efficiency.
Use your AC’s fan mode to circulate air, even when the system isn’t running. This promotes even temperatures throughout your home and reduces the strain on the system.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Even when you’re not actively cooling your house, you can use your air conditioner’s fan to improve indoor air quality. Stagnant air, which allows dust, pollen, and other allergens to hover in your home, is one of the worst things for your IAQ. By circulating air, you help reduce the amount of pollution in your air.
If you have pets in your home, use the fan on your air conditioner in short bursts throughout the day. This helps prevent dander and hair from accumulating in your home. Instead, your air filters catch these allergens.
Although your air conditioner primarily cools your home, you can use it for several other purposes. Whether you want to boost indoor air quality or improve energy efficiency, knowing how to use your AC is crucial. When you need AC services for your Farmington, ME, home, call A-1 Plumbing and Heating.