As temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s and beyond next week, air conditioning units are expected to get a workout. At Bell Brothers, crews are preparing for the heat wave and expecting more calls as HVAC units struggle in the extreme heat.

Protecting Your AC Unit

One of the most common problems is dirty air filters. Experts encouraged homeowners to make sure they have a clean filter installed and keep a spare on hand. “When you’re running 24/7, those filters clog up pretty quick, so changing that filter is vital,” said Jason Gassmann, president of Bell Brothers.

Experts also recommend using ceiling fans and closing blinds to help keep the sun out and reduce strain on cooling systems. The heat also increases demand on Iowa’s electric grid as more people turn on their air conditioning.

MidAmerican Energy says customers can help lower that demand and reduce their monthly bills with a few small changes. “If you can turn that thermostat up a little bit, that means you’re not using your air conditioner as much, and that means that you’re not using as much energy. And that means you’re saving on your monthly bill,” said Geoff Greenwood, with MidAmerican Energy.

Customers with smart thermostats can enroll in MidAmerican’s voluntary Summer Saver program. During the hottest afternoons of the summer, participating thermostats are temporarily adjusted by a few degrees to help reduce demand on the electric grid.

Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.