NOVEC says get the AC ready for the heat wave

July 22, 2016

Contact: NOVEC Public Relations, 1-888-335-0500, customerservice@novec.com

MANASSAS, Va. —A heat wave is coming and it will make most air conditioners run longer and harder. Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative recommends checking the cooling system now to prepare for the rest of summer’s soaring temperatures and humidity. 

Air Conditioner Maintenance Check

“Air-conditioner maintenance is crucial in summer,” says Bob Cornwell in NOVEC’s Energy Services department. “People need to change filters regularly and make sure water-drainage tubes are not clogged.  If moisture cannot drain from the inside unit, it will back up and leak.”

Cornwell also suggests listening for odd sounds coming from the system: “If the system is set on ‘auto,’ the fan will run with the compressor to circulate cool air when it’s needed. But if the fan and compressor run constantly, the system might be low on refrigerant and will result in much higher electric bills.”

Cornwell recommends having air-conditioner systems inspected annually by a professional heating and cooling contractor. 

“NOVEC offers a nice benefit for customers who participate in our load management program,” Cornwell says. “A participant allows NOVEC to attach to the air-conditioner compressor a device that will let us cycle the compressor off for short periods of time when electric demand soars. This helps us hold down power costs. By participating in the load management program, a customer is entitled to a free diagnostic service call by a licensed contractor if his or her air conditioner is not working.”    

Energy-Saving Cooling Tips

  • Turn the thermostat up to 76-78 degrees. Each degree higher means lower electricity use and lower summer bills.
  • Replace air-conditioner filters regularly — Follow manufacturers’ instructions. Write the installation date on the filter.
  • When buying a window air conditioner, make sure it has an ENERGY STAR rating.   
  • When purchasing a central air-conditioning unit, make sure it has a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER).
  • Use fans if you don’t have an air conditioner — Circulating air will make everyone feel cooler. If not running an air conditioner, run a whole-house or window fan upstairs with windows open on the main floor. Make sure a window fan pushes air out instead of in.  
  • Block heat with window treatments — Close window treatments during the day on sunny sides of the house. Layering treatments, such as drapes closed over blinds, blocks even more heat. Window awnings do the best job since they repel solar rays before they reach windows.  
  • Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs — Old-fashion incandescent light bulbs produce only 10 percent light, but a whopping 90 percent heat. Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs produce almost no heat, use 80 percent less energy than incandescents, and last much longer. White LEDs once had a bluish cast, but they now come in natural tones and in traditional shapes for chandeliers, lamps, and flood lights.

For more energy-saving ideas, go to www.novec.com/save.

About NOVEC

NOVEC is a not-for-profit electric utility corporation that supplies and distributes electricity and energy-related services to more than 180,000 metered customers in Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, and Clarke counties, the Town of Clifton, and the City of Manassas Park. It is Virginia’s largest electric cooperative and one of the largest electric companies of its kind in the nation. Learn more at novec.com, or call 703-335-0500. NOVEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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