As temperatures climb and air conditioners work overtime, DTE Energy says it’s seeing a surge in calls and is reminding homeowners that a few simple steps can improve comfort and lower energy use.
“We’re buried right here,” said Gregory Pinto, a supervisor with the DTE Home Protection Plus (HPP) Program, noting crews and customer support see increased demand during periods of extreme heat.
Start outside: keep your AC unit clear and clean
Pinto says one of the easiest things homeowners can do is check the outdoor air-conditioning condenser. Make sure it’s free of bushes, debris and buildup that can reduce efficiency.
Sometimes, he said, cottonwood and other materials get pulled into the unit and “plug it up,” which can hurt performance and keep the house from cooling as well as it should.
A quick fix: use a garden hose to rinse the unit. Pinto recommends thoroughly spraying it and, if possible, from the inside out.
Inside the home: block heat and use fans wisely
Inside, Pinto says sunlight can quickly heat up rooms, forcing the air conditioner to work harder.
- Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day to keep the sun from “blasting in.”
- Use ceiling fans only when you’re in the room. “Ceiling fans cool people; they don’t cool rooms,” Pinto said. Turn them off when you leave to save energy.
- Don’t block cold-air returns. Airflow is critical, and returns are often located on walls or floors. If they’re covered by furniture or clutter, your system can lose efficiency.
In the utility room: check the filter
Pinto says one of the most common and most important preventive steps is to make sure your HVAC filter is clean.
“You can pull it out, hold it up to the light,” he said. “If you see a lot of light, it’s going to be pretty clean. If it looks a little dark, you definitely want to change.”
Don’t forget: hydrate
Pinto also urged residents to take care of themselves during the heat.
“Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate,” he said.
Click here for more information about the DTE Home Protection Plus (HPP) program.