Preparing for summer heat

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - If home air conditioning systems run efficiently, home owners can keep bills low during the summer months.

David Selvey is President of Selvey Heating and Cooling. He said like cars, air conditioning systems also need a tune up.

"Air conditioners or furnaces need to be tuned-up periodically. Manufacturers recommend annual tune-ups. That keeps them running more efficiently," said Selvey. 

Tuning-up air conditioners can also save money by extending the life of the system.  Selvey said now is a good time for an after winter inspection.

"A lot of the time the air conditioning system will accumulate branches or leaves, debris from various sources and insects will crawl into the fins," said Selvey. 

If air conditioning systems are running properly, home owners can also save money on energy usage. Selvey said remembering to keep windows closed when it's humid outside and shutting windows after they are used keeps the home cool.

In addition, homeowners can also set the thermostat at a comfortable level.

"Set the temperature on the thermostat where you actually want it to be. If you allow the room to get too hot before you turn the thermostat down, it takes longer for you to get comfortable. On a really hot day, it will take a really long time for that system to catch up and it will use more energy doing it," said Selvey. 

He said using a digital thermostat can help homes to save 3% -10% of operating costs. Selvey said programmable thermostats allow for more than one temperature setting. A second temperature setting can be used when home owners are at work or sleeping. He said keeping sunlight out of un-used rooms can also save energy.

"If you close the blinds or the drapes when the sun is on that side of the house, you'll keep the house in that bedroom especially much cooler," said Selvey. 

According to Selvey, people are more energy conscious and that is why his business is offering more "green" systems. Selvey said his business is also seeing a rise in air quality systems, which is one of the reasons he chose to open another store in Lafayette.

He said 60% of the Selvey Heating and Cooling business comes from Lafayette. The new store is located inside the Meijer store on State Road 26.