When summer temperatures ascend, your air conditioner might be your only hope. However, the unit may fail to perform as well as it should for various reasons, leaving you vulnerable to hot temperatures.
Fortunately, by understanding how your AC works, you can optimize its function to get the most out of it. This article will teach you how to improve your AC unit efficiency for maximum cooling. Continue reading to learn more.
- Service An Air Conditioner
While there are many things you can do to ensure your AC performs better, some Air Conditioning Service are best left to the professionals. For example, a trained contractor is well-equipped to handle services such as cleaning drain lines, replacing worn-out parts, detecting malfunctioning, correcting fluid leaks, and improving ductwork insulation.
A malfunctioning AC can quickly increase your utility bills. Aside from that, it might not adequately cool your home. Therefore, check the unit at least once a year to avoid malfunctions and costly repairs.
- Replace The Unit
At times, there are no shortcuts. If your air conditioner doesn’t seem to work efficiently even after providing a conducive environment, it might only indicate one thing: the unit is old and requires replacement.
Typically, an air conditioner lasts for 10 to 15 years if properly maintained. Once this period is over, you might need to replace it, especially if it’s struggling to function. However, before making this huge decision, consult a reputable air conditioning company to determine whether the unit should be replaced or repaired. If you live in Texas or its surrounding areas, you should seek Marshall, TX Air Conditioning Service for exceptional service.
Besides age, there are other signs that your AC unit might require replacement. To learn more about these signs, check out this video below:
- Maintain Stable Temperature
If your air conditioner has a programming feature, take advantage of it. Avoid switching the AC to its maximum cooling capacity to get an instant result. Instead, program the AC to turn on 30 minutes before you arrive home. It’s important to note that air conditioners work better in a continuous motion rather than instantaneously.
- Reduce Ambient Heat
The high temperatures around the thermostat sensors are the leading factor affecting air conditioner performance. Therefore, homeowners must reduce this heat for their AC to perform better.
Reducing ambient heat lowers the amount of energy a unit requires to run. To lessen the ambient heat:
- Cover the windows to prevent direct sunlight from accessing your home.
- Avoid taking excessively long showers and use the bathroom fan to distribute heat.
- Turn off electronics whenever necessary.
- Switch off the lights near the thermostat.
- When the air is a little cooler, use heating appliances in the evening.
Aside from these precautions, consider holding family and other social gatherings outdoors to prevent massive heat accumulation in your home.
- Incorporate A Helping Fan
Not all homes are similar in size. Some are large, while others are small. If you have a larger home, you’ll need an AC that can cool the entire space. However, if your AC can only cool a part of your space, having a cooling fan in your home isn’t a bad idea. The fan will not only supply an additional cooling effect but will also help the AC to cool a larger area without struggling.
- Seal The Leaks And Drafts
Drafts and leaks can introduce unwanted heat into your home, forcing your AC to work harder. For this reason, it’s crucial to check for any drafts or leaks that allow warm air into your home. Hold a candle in different directions and study its reactions to find out. If it starts to flicker, it’s time to get a sealant.
- Ventilate Your Home
Besides preventing too much warm air from accumulating in your home, adequate ventilation is also essential. During the day, use cooling fans to circulate cold air throughout your home, especially in rooms that experience high traffic. It can also be a good idea to leave the doors open for better airflow.
If your area experiences cold nights, open the windows to let the cool breeze in, then close them once you’ve trapped enough cold air.
Conclusion
In light of the above discussion, there are numerous steps a homeowner can take to ensure they get the most out of their air conditioner. You can improve the performance of your AC by reducing ambient heat and incorporating more fans. Besides these steps, an experienced HVAC contractor can help you develop ways to ensure your AC performs optimally based on its type and size.