When the warmer months arrive and the temperatures are soaring high, the last thing you want is to deal with a failing air conditioner. Your home or office premises can be unbearably hot and uncomfortable. If your AC is working but is inefficient, you are more likely to feel a pinch at the end of the month when paying your energy bills. This is because a faulty AC ends up overworking to meet your cooling needs, thus consuming more energy than it should.
In the process of overworking to meet your cooling needs, your AC is also more prone to further damages, some of which could be irreversible. This means that you may have to replace the unit sooner than expected, and new air conditioning systems do not come cheap. Considering these and other factors, it is only wise to ensure your AC is in tip-top shape at all times so you can get the most out of it.
Besides, like other home appliances, your AC requires preventative maintenance at least once annually. Consider hiring experts to conduct regular maintenance on your cooling unit to keep it functioning efficiently without weird noises or unpleasant smells. If you live in Naples, FL air conditioning checkup and repair services are usually just a phone call away.
What It Means To Get the Most Out Of Your AC
Basically, getting the most of your cooling unit means a few things. These include:
- Effective cooling
- Significant energy-efficiency
- A long life span
- Low maintenance and repair costs
This means that if you are spending too much on cooling bills or you are not getting enough cooling, you need to rethink and reconsider a few things. The same also applies if your repair and maintenance costs are too high or your AC seems to be approaching a complete breakdown. With this in mind, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of the cooling equipment.
1. Choose the Right AC for Your Needs
One of the secrets behind cooling efficiency lies in the choice you make when buying your AC. The chosen unit should be properly sized for the room or space it is intended to cool. Also, there are many different types of air conditioning systems to pick from depending on the design of your house or building. The best systems are designed to meet your cooling comfort needs without consuming too much energy. If you would rather not have a separate system for heating and cooling, a high velocity HVAC system is more advisable. It offers an energy-efficient solution for both heating and cooling. The system apparatus includes various components, including ductwork, the chiller, the heater, and control units among others.
2. Replace Filters Regularly
Regular filter replacement is an essential part of proper AC maintenance. When dirt and debris are left to accumulate on the filters for long, the efficiency of your air conditioner suffers a blow. It ends up overworking to keep your home comfortable due to air obstruction. The cooling unit even risks breaking down completely. Note that if you have higher efficiency filters, these must be changed more often than standard ones because they get clogged faster. For the best results, get dirty air filters cleaned or replaced at least three to four times annually.
3. Get a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat helps you regulate your indoor temperatures effectively to avoid energy loss. If your AC has one, you can set the device to start cooling your home at least thirty minutes before you get there. This way, you won’t have to stay outside until your home cools down. You also don’t have to overwork the unit by setting the temperatures too low at once.
A programmable thermostat can also help you manage the temperature of each room by creating zones. This means you can cool specific rooms and not the entire house, cutting your energy costs. You can also automate each zone’s thermostat, lowering your bill even more. By getting one with sensors, you’ll be able to monitor your air filter and get alerts when the system’s parts have either been checked or serviced.
By maintaining your ideal temperature and promoting energy efficiency, a programmable thermostat helps you get the most out of your air conditioning system.
4. Clean the AC Components
Apart from the filters, a few other components of your AC will need cleaning for the unit to work at its best. For instance, the condenser unit located outside requires regular cleaning. This involves checking for debris like twigs, leaves, and such, removing them. Checking not to hurt the fins, use your garden hose to clean the component. For your cleaning solution, mix warm water and detergent in a spray bottle to remove dirt buildup in the evaporator coils.
Clean AC components boost the overall efficiency of your cooling equipment. Regular cleaning will also prolong its lifespan. The reason is that accumulated dust and debris in your AC’s inner mechanisms force them to work harder, causing premature wear and tear.
5. Keep the AC On
Some summer days can be cooler, which is when most people are tempted to shut the AC down completely. While this could help you save money, this cannot be compared to the costs you will incur if you force the unit to cool your home instantly. The latter scenario makes the unit overwork, leading to immense energy loss. It is best to keep your unit on with the thermostat turned up to higher temperatures of +78 degrees F.
6. Clear the Ductwork
Clogged and dirty ductwork is another common reason why air conditioning systems fail or decrease efficiency. If you’ve been dealing with higher energy bills or inadequate cooling lately, the ducts could be the culprit. Check to see if they are clogged or talk to an HVAC professional about duct cleaning. Also, have the unit repaired by an expert whenever it shows signs of damage.
Finally, you can also give your air conditioner a boost by installing one or two fans in the room. Be sure to keep the windows closed and consider insulating your home to reduce the work that your AC has to do. With the above few tips in mind, you can improve your unit’s efficiency and effectiveness in ensuring comfort in your home.
