While most Americans want to save money for vacation this summer, many will sadly have to dish out large amounts of money for air conditioner repairs. We want you to save money by sharing ways you can maintain your home’s air container unit. Save energy by ensuring your air conditioner is working efficiently. Do not let it break this summer.
There are no guarantees that our tips will prevent your air conditioner from breaking, but you should try them anyways. An air conditioner working efficiently usually means you are using the air conditioner at its lowest potential costs.
For many Floridians living on a strict budget, a huge cost such as an air conditioner replacement or repair just isn’t in the books. Simply running the AC at a reasonable temperature can cost a pretty penny as we all know. With temperatures rising and staying high, learn how you can further prevent your AC from falling short.
Keeping your AC running efficiently for energy savings:
Of course, just like any other well tended to machine, ignoring issues can really haunt you later. If the unit itself seems to be crooked, tilted, or just not leveled correctly, have it inspected. The unit in your home should be installed properly.
When air conditioners are not installed correctly, the water and condensation drainage cannot properly be directed into the correct places. This causes leaks, and anyone knows that the word “leak” is not something you want to hear as a homeowner. Water must drain into proper areas because if it doesn’t, it will leak and may cause mold, flooding, and other water damage.
The cost of fixing such devastation can wrack up very quickly into the thousands. Plan to have an annual, or even every six month, AC inspection to ensure everything is working smoothly. On your own time, pay attention to how quickly your system reaches the temperature you set it to.
Monitoring the homes air flow and sun exposure:
It should not take more than an hour for the temperature to lower by one degree. In addition, it does not hurt to have a separate thermometer to read your room’s temperature. Note the difference in temperatures between rooms.
It is very common for temperatures to differ from room to room. Keep track of which rooms are having a harder time staying cool. These are the room that may need updated windows. Blackout curtains work wonders if you do not already have them in those troubled areas.
Making your air conditioner overwork is one of the most common reasons units breakdown. The easiest way you can help out your unit is by consistently replacing the air filter. Each unit has its own time it needs to be replaced.
In our last blog, we discussed this time frame can vary from home to home. Houses with one or more pets may need the filter replaced once a month where as some may need to be changed every six to eight weeks. If you do not replace the filter in a timely manner, the airflow will be blocked causing the AC to work harder. Be sure to check it even before the four to six weeks mark.
Keep the areas around the inside and outside unit clear from obstructions. Keep shrubs and grass away from the outside unit. Trees should not have any branches hangin over the unit or leaves falling onto the unit.
Speak to an AC professional about how you can clean the outside unit. If leaves fall and the lawn crew blow dirt and debris onto the unit, you should know how to properly clean it. Keeping the unit clean goes hand and hand with making it energy efficient.
As for the inside unit, do not have a piece of furniture or any other objects directly in front of or near the unit. The air conditioner’s job is to direct air, so give it room to breathe. Speak to an AC professional about cleaning the inside unit.
You may be able to do this on your own, or they may refer you to a professional. Getting your air condoner ducts cleaned out thoroughly can bring new life to your system. This is also great for people with asthma or allergies.
Know when to let go:
Unfortunately, sometimes homeowners must bite the bullet and replace the entire system or parts of it. Know when it is time to say goodbye to the old unit and upgrade to an updated system. Take time to research, and choose an energy efficient system if at all possible.
Remember to keep your system either turned off or pushed back seven to ten degrees for savings of around two-hundred dollars. Plus, save around ten percent of what you normally spend each year by upgrading your system to an energy efficient one.
While spending a bit more now may cost you immediately, your future will be full of savings. Please contact Sanford Electric today for your home’s electrical and energy savings needs. We look forward to speaking with you!
Staff Writer
