Air conditioners don’t come cheap. That is why you should take care of them to keep them in great shape. Failure to do so not only causes discomfort but also high energy costs and shortened equipment lifespan. If you’re someone looking for ways to help your AC work effortlessly, you have come to the right place.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is a leading HVAC company in Blaine MN. We help homeowners like you maintain their cooling systems and establish comfortable, energy-efficient homes.
Here are practical steps for you to consider.
Monitor your AC.
The easiest way to ensure your air conditioner’s efficiency is to inspect the unit regularly to determine if it is cooling properly. This way, you will identify when the system exhibits unusual behaviors. Feel the temperature of the air it blows out. It should be equivalent to the air temperature that goes back to the return air vent. If there is a noticeable difference in temperature, it’s possible that the filter is clogged or there is a refrigerant leak. This simple step is essential because when the AC fails to cool your home efficiently, it wastes a lot of energy, and it’s only a matter of time before you need a technician to come and fix any issues.
Keep the filter clean.
Your filters play an important part in the overall performance of your HVAC system and the least you can do is to inspect them and replace them if necessary. Dirty air filters make your furnace or air conditioner less efficient and cause undue strain on its internal parts.
For worry-free filter maintenance, all you have to do is set a reminder each month to inspect your filter and clean or replace it as needed. The rule of thumb is to change your filter once a month to three months, based on your usage. If you have domestic pets or let your windows often, you should probably change your filters sooner than later.
Also, consider investing in high-efficiency pleated air filters. The folds in these filters collect more small particles than ordinary filters. They keep your HVAC system clean and protect your family from airborne diseases.
Set the thermostat at a normal temperature.
There is no need to turn the thermostat to the lowest temperature if it isn’t that hot outside. So, be sure to keep the indoor temperature at the highest but comfortable enough temperature. This way, the unit doesn’t have to work as hard, ensuring it is not strained or pushed to its limit.
Another way to take care of your AC is by setting the thermostat according to time — lower temperatures during the day and higher temperatures at night. This will help minimize your energy costs and extend the life of your HVAC system.
Improve your home’s insulation.
The quality of insulation in your home contributes to how much energy the AC needs to provide your cooling needs. So, inspect your ductwork and locate leaks, which allow warm outside air to come in and cool inside air to go out. This issue significantly lowers your AC’s energy efficiency and wastes excessive amounts of energy. Once the leaks are identified, be sure to seal them off, especially in the attic. Use an insulation wrap that is made out of foil, and avoid plastic as much as possible.
Clean the outdoor area regularly.
The outdoor HVAC unit should be able to easily draw in air to cool your home. In order to do this, you have to clear any foliage from the surrounding area, including shrubs and plants, which should be planted at least two feet away from the outdoor unit. This provides sufficient shade to keep the unit cool and also controls critters from inhabiting near the system.
You may also need to manually inspect the outdoor components of your HVAC system such as the condenser. Look for obvious damage and if something looks unusual, contact an HVAC professional. Do not operate an HVAC system with a damaged condenser, as it can be a critical issue when you need to run your air conditioner.
Need Help? Call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
For best results, schedule annual preventive maintenance with one of our licensed HVAC teams. We will clean your cooling system thoroughly and detect issues before they escalate to major problems. We are your reliable Columbia Heights AC repair and maintenance company.