Hello World! Welcome Friends! Summer is all about beach vacations, pool parties, and outdoor activities. But you can only enjoy it for so long; as temperatures soar and it becomes unbearable to stay outside, your air conditioner becomes your salvation. HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems have had a major effect on how we live, but the comfort and convenience come with a cost. If not maintained properly, your cooling system may end up costing you a fortune. If you want to ensure that your AC is functioning properly so you can return home to a well-cooled house after a long day, you can seek the help of a company like Magnolia Heating and Cooling.
Below you’ll find a list of tips on how to maintain your air conditioner and keep your house naturally cool.
1. Schedule Check-Ups Annually
Schedule annual checkups by hiring Air Pro heating and air conditioning professionals to determine any underlying performance issues and rectify them before they do more damage to your air conditioner.
Regularly servicing your air conditioning unit will extend its life, improve efficiency, and also save you money in the long run.
2. Clean Filters and Coils
- Replace or Clean Air Filters: Over time, your HVAC system’s air filters become clogged with dust and dirt which reduces its ability to provide a normal airflow. Clean the air filters once every month, or if they are damaged, replace them immediately to improve your unit’s efficiency.
- Clean the Coils: Your air conditioner’s evaporator coil and condenser coil needs to be cleaned every year. Evaporator coils are a part of the air conditioning system that absorbs heat from the air and pass it over to the condenser coil to complete the heat exchange process, producing cool air for your home. If it is clogged with dirt, it will lose its inability to absorb heat and hence lower the performance of your unit.
Condenser coils are located outdoors, which is the reason why dust and debris get caught up in them, reducing your HVAC system’s full performance. The coils require cleaning every six months. In addition, it is a good idea to keep the area around the unit clean in order to minimize the collection of dust and debris.
3. Clear Drainage Line
Ever wonder what your air conditioner’s small drain pipe does? It removes the moisture and reduces indoor humidity. However, if this pipe gets blocked with debris, it’ll prevent the unit from reducing humidity and may also accelerate the buildup of algae and mildew. Therefore, having the pipe cleaned annually ensures you have a humidity-less environment in your home for the rest of the year.
4. Straighten Coil Fins
The evaporator and condenser coils can easily bend, blocking airflow through the coil. You can leave it to the professionals to straighten them for you when they come for annual checkups or you can use a tool called “fin combs” and do it yourself. However, make sure to use safety gloves in order to avoid cutting yourself.
5. Upgrade Your Thermostat
In today’s HVAC technology, a programmable thermostat is a must-have. Installing a smart thermostat allows you to set temperatures throughout the day at various times and automatically raises or lowers the temperature so you don’t have to go back and forth changing it. It’ll also lower your HVAC system’s power consumption, maximize your comfort, conserve energy, and save you a boatload of money. You can consult and get estimates and advice from professional Denver HVAC companies, or services in your area for any new systems or upgrades that you may need.
6. Consider Installing a Whole-house Fan
Whole-house fans are a cooling system that circulates and pushes out the hot air inside the house and draws in cooler air. Installing this will put less pressure on your air conditioning unit, save monthly utility bills, and give you the pleasure of enjoying a cool, refreshing breeze.
7. Utilize Ceiling Fans
If you have ceiling fans, utilize them to save power and energy consumption of your HVAC system. Ceiling fans circulate the air coming from your air conditioner so you can have a chilled room with less pressure on your unit. It’ll also save you money without sacrificing your comfort.
8. Seal Openings and Cracks
Small openings or cracks, even if it is an eighth of an inch, can let in as much as a 2.4-inch diameter hole of air in a wall. Examine your walls and windows for any openings or air leaks that may draw warm air into your home, making your air conditioning unit work harder than needed.
9. Cover Your Windows
If you have windows facing the sun, cover them up with curtains, blinds, or drapes to minimize the heat coming in. Keep them closed during the hottest parts of the day. You can also consider investing in energy-saving blinds that’ll make your HVAC work less when supplying warm or cool air into your house.
10. Upgrade Your Insulation
Check and upgrade the insulation in your attic or walls. Insulation keeps your home warm during winter and cools during the summer by trapping the air inside. Therefore, when you call a professional for the annual checkup, it is a good idea to ask them to check the insulation too.
11. Give Your HVAC a Break
Everyone needs a break every now and then. Your HVAC system does too. Turn it off during spring or fall seasons when the air conditioner isn’t necessary. Open up windows to let in the spring air and use ceiling fans to circulate the air.
Having said that, make sure you cover up your HVAC unit properly, both indoors and outdoors, so it doesn’t get clogged with dirt, dust, and debris. This way you’ll have less work when cleaning.
12. Wear Light or Warm Clothes Accordingly
When it’s summer, wear light clothes inside so you don’t have to lower the temperature of your air conditioner to stay cool. Likewise, wear warm, comfortable clothes during winter so you don’t have to blow up the heater. These little things matter if you want to reduce energy consumption and of course, save money.
13. Switch to LED Lightbulbs
Replace your incandescent light bulbs with cooler LED ones. These LED models are more energy-efficient and produce less heat than earlier versions. Less heat in the room means less stress for your air conditioner.
14. Look For Warning Signs
Your HVAC system will give warning signs signaling the need for repair. It is worth looking into when your system is:
- Making Noise: Typically, a cracked or partially broken belt is the source of a noise that keeps growing louder. However, whiny sounds may indicate ignition problems. Irrespective of whatever sound your HVAC system makes, it is always a good idea to take a closer look.
- Rapid Cycling Condition: This occurs when your air conditioner turns on and off repeatedly. The problem may lie with the wiring, thermostat, or an ignition system that worked fine previously but is now defective.
- Escalating Monthly Utility Bills: This usually occurs when your HVAC is working harder than it should. Due to this, it uses more energy and power to work which explains the steady increase in your heating and cooling costs. An HVAC system that’s using more energy requires repair work.
- Insufficient cooling or heating: A number of sources can cause your HVAC system to provide poor airflow. A compressor failure, electrical issues, and leakage are among the causes and should be addressed as soon as possible by a technician.
In a Nutshell
Air conditioners are an integral part of our life, providing warm or cool air as needed. Therefore, it is extremely important to take care of it just like you would take care of any other appliance.
Regular annual servicing of your HVAC system will ensure your comfort throughout the year. All you need to do is to watch for warning signs and make sure to clear away dirt and debris around the area where it is located. If you experience poor or warm airflow, try cleaning the filters first, or if damaged, replacing them. When not in use, cover your air conditioner to avoid collecting dust and weather-related problems (for outdoor units).
When all things have been examined and repaired, and if your HVAC unit is still unable to operate properly, maybe it’s time to consider purchasing a new one. New or old, follow the tips to ensure your HVAC system remains in top-notch condition by maintaining it regularly. Hire professional technicians to examine your unit and brief you about every component of your HVAC unit at least once every year. A good rule of thumb is to hire these technicians before the start of the summer or winter season when you’ll find them mostly available and with a low service charge.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
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9 Things You Can Do To Pamper Yourself
Mitigating Your Heating and Cooling Bills
Tips to Renovate your Home During Retirement
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Toodles,
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