Keeping a cool home is a priority for your comfort when the scorching summer months come closer. Air conditioning (AC) units are the best tool to successfully create an optimal indoor climate. However, overuse, mismanagement, or malfunctioning components can create an expensive problem. Repairing AC units can become a costly service over time, especially when combined with the higher energy bills associated with overworked systems.
To avoid unexpected expenses and ensure that your ACs perform optimally, it is crucial to engage in regular maintenance. This blog post will provide five simple ways you can maintain your AC before it is too late for your comfort and wallet.
1. Regular Cleaning and Filter Replacement
While this solution may seem too simple to be true, giving your AC a regular clean and replacing the filters frequently can effectively maintain the unit’s operations. This is because filters tend to collect dirt, dust, and debris over time, clogging their airways and reducing the system's efficiency. This clogging encourages an AC unit to work harder in order to keep a home cool, leading to higher energy consumption and potential damage.
To prevent this from happening, make sure to check your AC filters every 1-2 months and replace them when they appear dirty. Otherwise, most models should be replaced every 3 months. You may need to increase this frequency if you live in an area with higher concentrations of dust or pollen.
2. Annual Professional Inspection
Getting an expert to inspect your AC system is one of the surest ways to ensure everything is consistently running smoothly. Professional HVAC technicians can identify and address most AC issues early, preventing them from becoming more significant and expensive problems.
Most inspections have technicians performing:
- Checks for leaks
- A coil cleaning
- Tests on the thermostat
- An oversight as to whether all unit components are in good working order
Regular professional inspections can also extend the lifespan of your AC system, removing the need for aircon repair unless absolutely necessary. This step may seem like an unnecessary expense, but being proactive is more than likely to save you money in the long run by preventing major breakdowns and increasing your system's efficiency.
3. Keep the Coils Clean
The coils in your AC system are responsible for heat exchange, and dirty coils prevent your AC unit from performing optimally. Typically, dirt, dust, and debris accumulates over time to make these coils dirty. This, in turn, insulates the, and hinders the heat exchange process. When this happens, your AC unit will have to work harder to cool your home, leading to higher energy bills.
Taking the time to clean these coils on a regular basis will thus help keep your expenses low. The process is simple enough to do with care:
- Turn off the power to your AC unit
- Carefully remove debris from the coil with a soft brush
- Apply coil cleaner or a mixture of warm water and mild detergent
- Rinse and dry the coils completely before turning the power back on
4. Ensure Proper Insulation
Your AC unit is not the only aspect to consider when it comes to saving money while keeping your home cool. Proper insulation in your home can prevent the cool air created by your AC from escaping, stopping the system from overworking and consuming more energy. When a home is not properly insulated, you are more likely to face increased energy costs and unnecessary wear and tear on your AC.
Assess your home’s current insulation and address any issues or gaps you may have. Common problem areas in a home include:
- Gaps around the doors and windows
- Attics
- Crawl spaces
You can improve your home’s insulation by taking steps to seal gaps and add weather stripping. This, in turn, will create a more energy-efficient home and reduce the strain on your AC system.
5. Monitor Thermostat Settings
The efficiency of your AC may also be impacted by the management of your thermostat. For example, when a thermostat is set too low, your AC unit is more likely to consume excessive amounts of energy. Always try to set a reasonable temperature that will not chew through your energy, while still bringing you comfort.
If you need a hand in finding the right temperature balance, you can invest in a programmable thermostat that allows you to create a cooling schedule that aligns with your daily routine. Having a set schedule for your AC will ensure it only runs when needed, conserving energy and money whenever you are away.
Otherwise, you can try setting your AC to an average temperature that will not run up your electricity bill. You can still keep the home cool, however, by using it in conjunction with ceiling fans to take advantage of the wind-chill effect. This allows you to raise the thermostat setting without sacrificing comfort.
Air Conditioning Maintenance
It does not have to be an expensive or complicated process to stay up-to-date with your AC’s maintenance. Rather, simple steps as those outlined in this blog post can help you keep your expenses low while still enjoying a comfortable, energy-efficient home. Avoid unexpected repair costs and surprisingly high energy bills by putting some time and effort into extending the lifespan of your AC units. Do noy wait until it is too late – take action now to ensure your ACs are in top shape for the upcoming summer months.
