Air Conditioners Don’t Get a Summer Vacation
Air Conditioners Don’t Get a Summer Vacation
We expect great things from our air conditioners in the south. They provide increased comfort, controlled humidity, and an escape from the demanding summer sun. Even though we enjoy blissful summer vacations, that doesn’t mean our air conditioners get a break. Incorporating these methods with air conditioners will prolong their life and keep them running at peak efficiency throughout the summer.
Prevent Excess Wear and Tear on Your AC:
- Schedule Regular Maintenance: Routine maintenance twice a year on air conditioners will pinpoint areas that are worn out. A NATE-certified technician will clean your air conditioner and notify you when components are experiencing excessive wear and tear. By identifying and replacing these parts early, you can avoid an expensive HVAC repair in the future. Air conditioners that aren’t properly maintained are forced to work harder to achieve ideal temperatures in a home.
- Use Ceiling Fans: It may sound silly, but ceiling fans were invented for a reason. They don’t supply cool air, but they do circulate cool air provided by air conditioners. During the summer months, ensure your ceiling fans are rotating counterclockwise to push the cool air down towards the floor. The cool air evaporates moisture, which creates a wind chill effect. The wind chill effect makes a room feel cooler without lowering the thermostat. If you are serious about extending the life of your air conditioner, raise the thermostat to a higher temperature while the ceiling fans are moving.
- Replace the Filter: Air conditioners with air filters that aren’t checked and often replaced, experience more breakdowns and issues with poor indoor air quality. Air filters are responsible for trapping and eliminating dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris that circulates throughout your cooling system. When the air filter is dirty or clogged, it restricts the airflow moving through your air conditioner. Airflow that is obstructed forces air conditioners to operate harder to deliver cooled air throughout a home. Check your air filter once a month and replace it every 2 to 3 months to keep your air conditioner operating efficiently.
- Clear Away Debris: Check your outdoor unit whenever you are outside mowing, landscaping, or gardening. The outdoor unit holds the compressor and evaporator coils, which keep your system operating efficiently while delivering cool air into your home. The exterior equipment can accumulate debris, like twigs, grass clippings, leaves, and branches, which can restrict airflow around the unit. When the unit can’t breathe, the compressor overheats and the sensitive components inside are damaged.
- Draw the Shades: Another tactic to help air conditioners operate more efficiently while giving them a much-needed break is by drawing the shades or pulling the blinds. The sun shines into your home and raises the indoor temperature without you realizing it. By blocking the rays beating down into your home, your air conditioner will not kick on during the hottest time of the day unless you adjust the thermostat.
- Seal Air Leaks: When air leaks are present in your ductwork, it tricks your air conditioner into operating harder. The valuable energy used to create cool temperatures in your home gets lost through the gaps and holes in your ducts. This is commonly referred to as energy loss, which drastically increases your energy bill. Contact AC Southeast® to find a NATE-certified technician in your area and schedule duct sealing for your home.
