Many water heaters may be set to around 140°F, which can be hotter than necessary for everyday household use.
Wilson Oil & Propane explains why water heater temperature matters and what you should consider before making an adjustment.
Water heater temperature affects both comfort and safety. If the setting is too high, hot water can cause serious burns, with young children and older adults being especially vulnerable. Higher temperatures can also increase energy use and contribute to higher utility bills.
At the same time, you don’t want your water heater set too low. Temperatures that are too low may not provide enough hot water for your household and can allow certain bacteria to grow under some conditions.
So, what temperature should you choose?
A commonly recommended setting for many households is 120°F. This temperature can provide plenty of hot water for everyday needs while helping reduce the risk of scalding and unnecessary energy use.
However, the right temperature can vary depending on your household, water-heating system, and health considerations. Some homes may require a higher storage temperature along with appropriate mixing or anti-scald controls.
If someone in your household is immunocompromised or has other health concerns, talk with a qualified professional about the safest water heater setting for your situation rather than adjusting it on your own.
If you need your water heater’s temperature adjusted and aren’t comfortable working with the equipment, we recommend calling the technicians at Wilson Oil & Propane.
Water heaters may involve electrical components, gas or oil-fired burners, and very hot water, so professional service can help ensure that adjustments are made safely and correctly.
Our team will be happy to help you find an appropriate setting while making sure your water heater is operating properly.
Keeping your water heater at an appropriate temperature is just one way to improve energy efficiency.
If you’re looking to reduce water-heating energy use, you can also:
Homeowners here in Delaware County can count on Wilson Oil & Propane for reliable water heater installations.
We offer a range of water heater options, including indirect-fired units, direct-fired tanks, and innovative propane tankless water heater systems.
Wilson Oil & Propane understands that hot water demands differ from home to home. That’s why one of our water heater equipment experts will work with you to find equipment that fits your household’s specific needs.
All of the water heaters that Wilson Oil & Propane installs are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, and we stand behind our work with a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Contact Wilson Oil & Propane today to learn more about the water heater installations and services we offer throughout the Delaware Valley, including Media, Wallingford, Swarthmore, Springfield, Broomall, and Newtown Square.
Homeowners here in the Delaware Valley who book Wilson Oil & Propane for duct sealing services can rest assured that they are in good hands.
Customers who reach out to us about this service get a FREE duct leakage inspection before anything is officially booked. During our home performance evaluation, we pressure test your ductwork to calculate duct leakage. Then we seal off those leaks with Aeroseal duct sealing solution, and close the leaks that aren’t even visible to the eye.
At the end of the duct sealing process, Wilson Oil & Propane gives customers a “Certificate of Completion” that details the before and after results. The Aeroseal process helps us reduce air leakage within a home by up to 90%!
Clearly, Wilson Oil & Propane does the heavy lifting when it comes to the duct sealing process, and we’re happy to. After all, that’s our job.
However, there are a few things we ask our customers to do so that they, and we, can be thoroughly prepared and ready to get the duct sealing process started.
You can set yourself and your home up for a smooth and successful Aeroseal duct sealing process by following the below tips from Wilson Oil & Propane:
There are many good and beneficial reasons to seal the ducts in your home. These include:
The trained and experienced indoor air quality technicians here at Wilson Oil & Propane are available to help homeowners in the Delaware Valley area of southeast Pennsylvania, northern Delaware, and southern New Jersey who need duct sealing services.
Contact Wilson Oil & Propane today to schedule your free duct inspection.
We all know that the main point and function of your home’s central air conditioning system is to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the summer. If it’s not doing that, you should contact Wilson Oil & Propane to make a servicing appointment so we can see what’s going on. We may be able to help you fix the problem or help you through the process of upgrading to a new system.
In addition to hopefully meeting all your home’s cooling needs, your central air conditioner also impacts your indoor air quality.
Americans spend about 90% of their time inside. That is a pretty big number. Considering this statistic, your indoor air quality is quite important. In fact, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. To help protect your home against indoor pollution, it is smart to use and maintain products that make your inside air more breathable.
A central air conditioning system that is well maintained and cared for can decrease indoor air pollution. This makes the air that you breathe when you’re inside your home healthier. Your indoor air quality can easily decline if you are not properly maintaining your air conditioner. The same goes if you don’t add an air purifier to your HVAC system.
Clearly, taking care of your central air conditioning system is important. So now the question is, how do you actually do this? Wilson Oil & Propane helps answer that question with the below tips:
Wilson Oil & Propane has been handling air conditioning installations for homes and businesses in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and beyond for about 50 years. We install all major cooling system brands for central air conditioning systems, heat pumps, and mini-split systems.
Contact Wilson Oil & Propane today to learn more about the air conditioning solutions we offer throughout the Delaware Valley.
Many homes here throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, as well as nationwide, are making the switch from electricity to propane.
Why are they doing this?
Well, there are many reasons. One big one is that propane is eco-friendly and considered green, something that has become increasingly important to many people as the concern over climate change grows. There are actually many ways in which propane’s environmental impact outshines electricity’s.
Propane has a low carbon fuel content, which means that it burns cleaner compared to many other fossil fuels and electricity generated from fossil fuels. It also produces fewer greenhouse gases compared to electricity. A homeowner can actually decrease their carbon emissions by about 50% by using propane instead of electricity to power a heating system or other household appliances.
This is a huge selling point for any homeowner who is looking to decrease their carbon footprint.
Let’s take a closer look at the other factors that make propane a top contender when it comes to environmental friendliness.
Using propane to power appliances or equipment automatically makes those appliances and that equipment more efficient and effective. This ultimately means that propane-powered appliances and equipment use less energy and fewer resources. They also reduce energy losses that you typically see with electric appliances.
Here are some specific examples:
Since propane is non-toxic, soil, water, plants, and other living organisms remain unharmed in the event of a spill. Propane also emits less particulate matter and nitrogen oxide, which helps improve air quality.
Delivering, producing, and using electricity requires massive amounts of electrical grid infrastructure in addition to power plants, which typically use and rely on non-renewable resources. Propane, on the other hand, gets transported and stored in individual tanks. This helps decrease its overall environmental impact.
The advantages of propane go way beyond helping the environment. Propane is also:
If you are a homeowner here in the Greater Philadelphia area who is looking to reduce their carbon footprint, make Wilson Oil & Propane your propane provider. We offer safe and reliable propane deliveries throughout the Delaware Valley. We make deliveries to both homes and businesses in southeastern Pennsylvania, northern Delaware, and southern New Jersey.
Contact Wilson Oil & Propane today to learn more about the propane and propane tank services we provide throughout the area.
Propane autogas is the world’s most popular alternative fuel. In fact, the Alternative Fuels Data Center estimates that about 60% of alternative-fuel vehicles in the United States use propane. Following gasoline and diesel fuel, it is the third most popular vehicle fuel.
School buses, forklifts, taxis, shuttles, lawnmowers, trucks, vans, and farm tractors are among the vehicles that run on and use propane autogas. There are actually about 27 million vehicles using the fuel internationally.
These are pretty high numbers, and clearly, propane autogas is a popular fuel choice. There is good reason for its popularity considering how many benefits the fuel offers to its customers and drivers. Let’s take a close look at what they are.
Depending on exactly where you live and work, you may qualify for some financial incentives by switching over to propane autogas. This can help make the upfront costs of vehicle purchases and conversions more manageable.
The price of propane autogas is often more stable and consistent than the price of other fuels. Additionally, propane autogas is historically $1.00 to $1.50 cheaper per gallon compared to gasoline.
Using propane autogas over the alternatives is automatically a safer choice. On top of that, autogas is non-toxic, non-poisonous, and soluble in water. Even in the event of a leak, it evaporates into the air without harming any water, soil, or other living organisms.
If you are looking for a green and clean-burning fuel, propane autogas is the way to go. Compared to both gasoline and diesel fuel, it produces lower emissions, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide. This helps customers reduce their carbon footprint.
Thanks to the fact that it is clean-burning, propane autogas creates less wear and tear on an engine. This means that drivers can expect fewer oil changes, lower maintenance costs, and an engine that lasts longer than it otherwise would.
Your business is better protected from global fuel disruptions when you use propane autogas, thanks to the fact that 99% of the fuel that is used in the United States is also made here in the United States.
Propane is also very accessible and not hard to find when you need to fill up a tank.
While switching over to propane autogas may sound like a big undertaking for a fleet manager, it is actually quite a simple process. You don’t even need to replace your entire vehicle fleet to make the switch. You can actually just install an EPA-certified bi-fuel conversion kit on an existing gasoline-powered vehicle.
Refueling is an easy process as well. While you need to wait for an electric vehicle’s battery to be recharged, filling up an engine with propane autogas is quick. This helps minimize downtime and keeps business operations moving.
Wilson Oil & Propane is here to help any vehicle fleets here in the Greater Philadelphia area make the switch over to propane autogas. We can even deliver the fuel directly to your worksite.
Contact Wilson Oil & Propane today to partner with us on your propane autogas needs.
Summer energy bills have a way of getting your attention.
When temperatures rise, it is tempting to lower the thermostat a few extra degrees and hope the house cools down faster. But that approach leads to higher cooling costs without giving much added comfort.
A properly programmed thermostat can help your cooling system work more efficiently by adjusting temperatures around your schedule instead of cooling an empty house all day.
Whether you have a basic programmable thermostat or a newer smart thermostat, a few simple settings can help improve comfort, reduce energy use, and make it easier to manage your home’s cooling throughout the summer.
Most programmable thermostats follow the same basic setup: Wake, Leave, Return, and Sleep.
Start by making sure the thermostat is set to the correct day and time. Then switch the system mode to “Cool” and set the temperature to match your daily routine. For example, you may want a comfortable temperature when everyone is home, a higher setting while the house is empty during the day, and another adjustment overnight while sleeping.
It is also worth checking the fan setting. In most cases, “Auto” is the most efficient option because the fan only runs when the cooling system is actively operating. Leaving the fan set to “On” means it will continue running even when the air conditioner is not cooling, which can increase energy use and operating costs.
One of the most common questions you may be asking is what temperature you should set your thermostat to during the summer.
While comfort preferences vary from household to household, many energy experts recommend a setting of around 76°F when people are home and awake. This temperature typically provides a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency.
When the house is empty for several hours, raising the temperature a few degrees can help reduce cooling costs without affecting comfort. The same principle applies overnight; some people prefer a slightly cooler setting for sleeping, while others keep a consistent temperature around the clock.
One thing that does not help is dramatically lowering the thermostat when the house feels warm. If the temperature indoors is 80°F, setting the thermostat to 65°F will not cool the home any faster than setting it to 75°F. It simply tells the system to keep running until it reaches the lower temperature.
Sometimes the issue is not the thermostat itself; it is how the thermostat is being used.
Something that could affect your thermostat the most is constantly adjusting the temperature throughout the day. It’s common to lower the thermostat when the house feels warm, then raise it again once the system catches up. However, those constant changes can make it harder to support consistent comfort and will result in the cooling system working harder than necessary.
It is also worth revisiting the fan setting. While running the fan continuously may seem like a good way to circulate air, it also uses more electricity. For most homes, the “Auto” setting provides the best balance between comfort and efficiency because the fan only runs when the cooling system is actively operating. The one exception would be if someone in your household has allergies or asthma. Running the blower fan will help air filters in your home trap more airborne particles, such as dust, pet dander, and pollen.
Getting the most from your thermostat starts with having the right equipment and settings for your home. Whether you’re looking to lower cooling costs, improve comfort, or upgrade to the convenience of a smart thermostat, choosing the right solution can make a noticeable difference throughout the year.
Since 1926, Wilson Oil & Propane has been helping homeowners throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and the rest of the Delaware Valley stay comfortable. As a full-service, family-owned home comfort company, Wilson offers programmable and smart thermostat solutions, as well as expert heating, cooling, and IAQ services to help customers improve efficiency and get the most from their home comfort systems.
If you’re considering a thermostat upgrade or looking for ways to improve your home’s comfort and energy performance, the Wilson team is ready to help.
When people think about propane, they usually think about heating homes, warming water, or powering appliances. But propane has another important use that often gets overlooked: transportation fuel.
Known as propane autogas, propane is one of the most practical and cost-effective alternative fuels available today. It’s cleaner-burning, American-made, and already powering millions of vehicles across the country. Yet despite its proven performance, it’s often left out of the conversation about the future of clean transportation.
As a long-time propane provider in the Delaware Valley, we’re proud to deliver a fuel that supports both energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. Propane produces extremely low greenhouse gas emissions and fewer air pollutants than gasoline or diesel. It’s a dependable energy source for homes and businesses, and it’s also helping power school buses, delivery vans, fleet trucks, forklifts, lawn equipment, and farm vehicles nationwide.
In fact, according to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, propane powers more alternative-fuel vehicles in the U.S. than any fuel besides gasoline and diesel.
Because propane has a lower carbon content, it burns cleaner than many conventional fuels. Converting a vehicle to propane autogas can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also lowering operating costs.
At Wilson Oil and Propane, environmental responsibility is important to us. That’s one reason why much of our own vehicle fleet runs on propane autogas. Over the years, this has helped us displace tens of thousands of gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel. We’ve also partnered with businesses throughout the Delaware Valley to help them make the switch by installing propane autogas fueling stations on-site or providing scheduled fueling service directly at their location.
Electric vehicles, or EVs, continue to receive a lot of attention as part of the push toward lower emissions and long-term sustainability. And while EVs can play an important role in the future of transportation, they are not without challenges.
Battery-powered vehicles themselves produce no tailpipe emissions. However, the electricity used to charge them often comes from power plants powered by fossil fuels. That means emissions are still part of the equation; they just happen farther upstream.
There are also practical barriers to widespread EV adoption, especially for commercial fleets. Limited vehicle availability, higher upfront costs, charging infrastructure demands, and concerns about driving range continue to slow the transition.
The infrastructure for charging vehicles also presents a major challenge. The International Council on Clean Transportation estimates that nearly 700,000 chargers will be needed nationwide to support the expected rollout of 1 million medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles by 2030. Powering those chargers would require enormous amounts of electricity every day, placing added demand on an already stressed electric grid.
For many businesses, propane autogas offers a more realistic and immediate solution.
One of the biggest advantages of propane autogas is how easy it is to adopt.
Businesses don’t necessarily need to replace their entire fleet to make the switch. For those looking for flexibility, EPA-certified bi-fuel conversion kits can be installed on existing gasoline-powered vehicles. These systems allow vehicles to run on propane while keeping gasoline backup capability.
Refueling is quick, safe, and familiar. Filling a propane autogas vehicle feels much like refueling with gasoline or diesel, without the wait time associated with battery charging. That makes it especially attractive for fleets that need to stay on the road and minimize downtime.
For fleet operators, that means cleaner performance without sacrificing convenience or productivity.
For businesses across southeast Pennsylvania and other parts of the Delaware Valley, propane autogas can deliver both environmental and financial benefits.
Partnering with Wilson Oil and Propane can help streamline fueling operations, reduce fuel expenses, and improve day-to-day efficiency. We can install secure propane storage at your location and create a delivery schedule tailored to your business.
Instead of employees stopping at fueling stations every day, your propane supply comes directly to you. That saves time, keeps vehicles moving, and helps your team stay focused on serving customers.
Whether your goal is lowering emissions, controlling costs, or improving operational efficiency, propane autogas is a proven option worth considering.
If you’d like to learn more about propane autogas for your business or fleet, contact Wilson Oil and Propane today. We’d be happy to help you explore the benefits and determine whether propane autogas is the right fit for you.
When your central air conditioning is working properly, it’s easy to forget it’s even there. After you’ve programmed the thermostat, cool air flows through the vents, and your home stays comfortable all summer long. But that’s in a perfect world.
When something starts to go wrong, your A/C system usually lets you know. Unfortunately, some people will ignore these warning signs. This can lead to rising utility bills, costly repairs, and unexpected breakdowns during the hottest days of the year.
The good news is that many air conditioning problems start with small symptoms that can be caught early with professional service. Here are some of the most common signs your central A/C may need attention, along with what could be causing them.
If your system is running but the air coming out of the vents feels warm or not as cool as it should, there’s likely a problem somewhere in the cooling process.
In many cases, this points to low refrigerant levels or an issue with the outdoor condenser unit. Either problem can make it difficult for your system to cool your home effectively and efficiently.
If the air coming through your vents feels weak, your A/C may be struggling to move air through the system.
This can happen for several reasons, including duct leaks, a failing blower motor, or airflow restrictions elsewhere in the system. Poor airflow often means uneven temperatures throughout the home and longer run times, which can increase your summer energy costs.
Does your air conditioner turn on, run briefly, then shut off before the house feels cool? That’s called short cycling. It forces your system to work harder than necessary and can place added strain on important parts.
Possible causes include low refrigerant, electrical issues, a dirty air filter, thermostat problem, or an oversized system. A professional inspection can pinpoint the source and help prevent bigger damage.
Air conditioners aren’t silent, but they shouldn’t make loud or unusual noises.
Grinding, scraping, squealing, banging, or rattling sounds often indicate a worn, loose, or damaged part inside the system. Catching those issues early can help prevent more extensive repairs later.
If your A/C system suddenly sounds different than usual, it’s worth getting it checked.
A noticeable smell coming from your vents or indoor unit is another sign something may be off.
A burning or electrical odor could indicate damaged wiring or it may mean overheating is taking place within your system. On the other hand, a musty smell may suggest mold or moisture buildup in your ductwork or around the system.
Either way, unpleasant odors shouldn’t be ignored.
Your air conditioner does more than cool your home. It also removes humidity from the air.
If your home feels cool but still sticky or damp, your system may not be dehumidifying properly. One common reason is an oversized A/C unit that cools too quickly and shuts off before it has time to remove enough moisture from the air.
Humidity problems can affect comfort, indoor air quality, and even your home itself.
If you notice pooling water or liquid around your indoor unit, it could be a sign of trouble.
Water may indicate a clogged condensate drain and should be addressed right away before major damage occurs. You should call for service before it gets worse.
A sudden increase in electric costs, without a corresponding hike in rates, is often one of the earliest signs that your system needs attention. If your utility bills have climbed but your cooling habits haven’t changed, your A/C system may be losing efficiency.
Air leaks, dirty components, refrigerant issues, thermostat problems, and aging equipment can all force your system to use more energy to keep up with cooling demand.
If you’ve needed multiple A/C repairs over the last few summers, or your system is 12 to 15 years old or older, it may be time to start thinking about a replacement system.
As air conditioners age, efficiency drops and repairs become more common. Upgrading to a newer high-efficiency system can improve comfort, lower energy costs, and give you greater peace of mind throughout the cooling season.
Homeowners across the Delaware Valley in southeast Pennsylvania, northern Delaware, and southern New Jersey count on our experienced HVAC team at Wilson Oil and Propane for dependable air conditioning service. From annual tune-ups and emergency repairs to complete A/C system replacement, we’re committed to keeping your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
We also offer air conditioning service plans designed to help reduce breakdowns and keep your system running efficiently year after year. Contact us today to schedule your A/C service.
There’s nothing more frustrating than turning on your central air conditioning system during a hot summer day and feeling warm air persistently coming from the vents. One of the most common causes of this problem is low refrigerant.
Refrigerant plays a critical role in your cooling system. It absorbs heat from inside your home and transfers it outdoors, allowing your A/C to deliver cool, comfortable air throughout your living space. When refrigerant levels become too low, your system can no longer cool effectively. In some cases, the airflow may feel slightly cool at first, but your home never reaches the temperature set on the thermostat. In more severe cases, the air may not feel cool at all.
If your system is low on refrigerant, our technician can often recharge it with the proper amount. However, that may only solve the immediate problem. Refrigerant does not get “used up” like fuel in a car. If your system is low, it usually means there is a leak somewhere within the equipment.
For homeowners with older cooling systems, refrigerant leaks can become painfully expensive. Many systems installed before 2010 use R-22 refrigerant. Due to environmental concerns, production of R-22 was phased out in 2020. Today, only limited reclaimed supplies are still available, and prices continue to rise.
That means even a relatively small refrigerant leak can lead to a very costly repair bill. In many situations, repeatedly repairing an aging system may not make financial sense when compared to upgrading to a newer, more efficient air conditioning system that uses modern refrigerants.
The good news is that today’s central air systems are designed to be more environmentally friendly, more energy efficient, and less expensive to run than older equipment.
Your outdoor air conditioning equipment is exposed to the elements year-round. Over time, normal wear and tear can affect refrigerant lines, coils, and connections. Corrosion, vibration, and age can all contribute to small leaks developing within the system.
Unlike a plumbing leak, refrigerant leaks are not always easy to spot. In fact, many homeowners do not realize there is a problem until their comfort starts to suffer. Common warning signs include:
Because problems with refrigerant are often difficult to detect, annual maintenance is extremely important. During a professional cooling tune-up, our technician will inspect refrigerant levels, check for signs of leaks, and make sure your system is working safely and efficiently before the hottest weather arrives.
While refrigerant leaks are common, they are not the only reason a central air system may stop cooling effectively.
Restricted airflow is another frequent issue. Dirty air filters, blocked ductwork, or clogged vents can prevent cool air from circulating properly throughout your home. In some cases, the evaporator coil inside the system may become dirty, reducing the equipment’s ability to absorb heat.
Thermostat problems can also affect system performance. Incorrect settings, faulty controls, or blower fan issues may prevent your cooling system from running the way it should.
If your air conditioner is struggling to keep up, it’s best to schedule service before the problem gets worse. Catching small issues early may help prevent more expensive repairs later.
If your system needs frequent refrigerant recharges or ongoing repairs, replacement may be the smarter long-term investment.
Modern air conditioning systems offer significantly higher efficiency ratings than older equipment. Thanks to updated federal energy standards and advances in HVAC technology, today’s systems can cool your home more effectively while using far less energy. A new system can provide:
Ductless mini-split systems are also an excellent option. These high-efficiency systems provide flexible, affordable cooling while allowing homeowners to customize comfort levels in different areas of the home.
Whether you need annual maintenance, emergency repairs, or a complete air conditioning replacement, the team at Wilson Oil and Propane is ready to help you stay comfortable all summer long. We can also guide you through available manufacturer rebates, utility incentives, and financing options that help reduce the cost of installing a new cooling system.
We proudly serve homeowners throughout the Delaware Valley region in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey.
Contact Wilson Oil and Propane today to schedule your air conditioning service or in-home comfort consultation. We’ll help you find the right cooling solution so you can enjoy dependable comfort for years to come.
Summers in the Delaware Valley often bring long stretches of heat and humidity, and that combination can push your central air conditioning system to its limits.
Whether you are in southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey, or northern Delaware, you have probably felt the impact of rising energy bills during peak cooling season. The good news is that lowering those costs does not require major sacrifices in comfort. With a thoughtful approach to how your system runs and how your home holds onto cool air, you can make a noticeable dent in those summer utility bills.
A good place to start is by thinking about how your home gets cooled overall. Many homes in our region, especially older ones, have areas that never seem to remain comfortable.
But instead of forcing your central system to work harder to compensate, adding a ductless system can provide targeted cooling in those trouble spots. By focusing on the rooms you use most, you can ease the burden on your main system and potentially raise the overall thermostat setting without losing comfort.
Of course, even the best system will struggle if it is not properly maintained. Annual air conditioning service is one of the simplest ways to keep your equipment running efficiently. A professional tune-up helps ensure that all A/C system components are clean, calibrated, and working as they should. This not only improves performance but also helps prevent breakdowns during the hottest days of the year, when you need your system the most.
Airflow is another key factor that often goes overlooked. In many Delaware Valley homes, ductwork runs through attics, basements, or crawl spaces where leaks can develop over time. When cool air escapes before it reaches your living space, your cooling system has to run longer to make up the difference. Having your ductwork inspected and sealed can improve airflow, enhance indoor air quality, and significantly reduce energy loss.
Your thermostat settings also play a major role in energy use. A programmable or smart thermostat allows you to automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule. Raising the temperature while you are away or asleep can lead to meaningful savings over the course of the summer. Even a small adjustment can have a cumulative effect on your monthly bill.
Ceiling fans can also help you stay comfortable while using less energy. By circulating air throughout a room, fans create a cooling effect that allows you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher without noticing a difference. This is especially helpful during humid Delaware Valley afternoons when the air can feel heavy and stagnant.
Another simple but important habit is keeping your air filters clean. A clogged filter restricts airflow and forces your system to work harder than necessary. Checking your filter a few times during the cooling season and replacing or cleaning it as needed can improve efficiency and extend the life of your equipment.
Beyond your HVAC system, everyday household activities can also affect indoor temperatures. Appliances like ovens, stovetops, and dryers generate heat that can make your air conditioner work harder. Using them during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or later in the evening, helps reduce that extra strain.
Sunlight is another source of unwanted heat. Closing blinds, curtains, or shades during the brightest parts of the day can block solar gain and keep indoor temperatures more stable. This is particularly helpful for homes with large windows or direct sun exposure.
Proper insulation also plays a crucial role in maintaining comfort. If your home is not well insulated, cool air can escape while hot air seeps in. Improving insulation in key areas like the attic can help your home hold onto conditioned air more effectively, reducing the workload on your A/C system.
Finally, it may be worth considering the age of your equipment. Even with excellent maintenance, air conditioning systems lose efficiency over time. If your system is more than 15 years old, upgrading to a high-efficiency model can dramatically reduce energy use. Today’s systems are designed to deliver better performance while using significantly less electricity, making them a smart long-term investment.
Wilson Oil and Propane takes pride in our long service to homeowners across the Delaware Valley. Our experienced technicians manage everything from routine maintenance and repairs to complete system replacements. We can also seal your ductwork to cut energy loss and improve your indoor air quality.
If your energy bills keep climbing or your system struggles to keep up with the summer heat, it may be time to explore your options. Modern high-efficiency air conditioning systems can be up to 60% more efficient than older models, helping you stay comfortable while lowering your operating costs.
Contact us today to schedule service or request a free estimate. We are here to help you get the most out of your cooling system all summer long.