Now that summer months are almost upon us, it’s time to start thinking about your air conditioner. To ensure your system is operating properly we recommend having it serviced once a year. If it has not been serviced for the season, give us a call and we can get you on the schedule. If you want or need a more efficient air conditioner, the fastest and easiest way to do that is to buy a new one. However, chances are you have other things you would rather spend money on so, try these tips to maximize your current system.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
Stop fiddling with the thermostat. Constantly changing the temperature on your thermostat can cause your air conditioner to run inefficiently. You should turn down your air conditioner when your home is empty for hours at a time and turn it back up when you come home. A programmable thermostat will allow you to do just that, simply program your specific schedule and let the thermostat do the adjusting for you.
Shade Your Condenser
Condensers are the outdoor portion of an A/C unit that is made up of coils, compressors, fans, and controls and releases heat as it cools the air inside your home. Air conditioners that operate in a cooler environment, such as one shaded by trees, bushes, canopies, or even an awning, operate more efficiently because they don’t have to work as hard to cool down air that is already cool. Not only will providing shade for the condenser help the unit run more efficiently, which increases the lifespan of the unit, it can also lower your cooling costs as well.
Maximize Airflow Around Condenser
If you shade your condenser, be sure to keep whatever you are using two feet away from the unit. Do not cover the unit or plant trees or shrubs too close, this will obstruct the airflow. By giving the condenser more room, it allows the condenser to do its job.
Change Filters
To maximize the efficiency of your air conditioner, you need to maximize airflow. A/C filters should be changed or cleaned regularly throughout the year. Before you start using your A/C be sure to take a look at your filters. A clean filter will move cleaner air through faster. A dirty filter will not only reduce the quality of the air inside your home it will also restrict/reduce airflow, which in turn decreases its efficiency and increases the likelihood of repairs.
Inspect the Duct-work
Duct-work is responsible for moving the air produced by your air conditioning system throughout your home. Sometimes the tape securing the duct-work together can fail, causing air leaks. If you are noticing higher than normal electric bills, uneven temperatures throughout your home, or an increased amount of dust, an air leak in the duct-work might be the culprit. This is something that most homeowners can fix themselves. However, if you are not sure if this is the issue or not able to make the repair yourself, give us a call and we will be more than happy to send one of the technicians out to take a look and/or make the repair for you.
I am sure you will agree that the summers are so much more enjoyable when you are cool and comfortable. So whether you are in need of an AC service or repair, wanting to upgrade your current system or if you do not currently have A/C but are interested in adding one, give Modern PHE a call.
