With hot summer just around the corner, preparing your air conditioning unit for the intense summer heat should be a priority. With the average household spending more than $2,200 a year on energy bills, the need for saving money is crucial. Most of this amount is from the energy that is used from heating and cooling your home.
In order to save yourself some time and money before turning your air conditioner on full blast this summer, read this article for some tips on how to improve your air conditioner’s performance and efficiency. Some of these tips can be done on your own, and some need to be done by a professional. Read on to find out more.
DIY Tips
The first thing you should do to improve your HVAC system’s efficiency this summer is to clean or change the air filter. Doing this task can lower your air conditioner’s energy usage by up to 15-20%. In the hot summer months, you should probably clean a reusable filter or replace the disposable filter at least once per month. Another task you can do is to clear the area around your air conditioning unit.
This includes keeping vegetation and tree branches at least two feet away from the unit so that the unit is free to pull the air in. You should also check the area around your unit after you mow the grass in order to clear any debris that might have accumulated. You can also seal your heating/cooling ducts and any open spaces in your home. You can complete this task by making sure that all doors, windows, and nooks and crannies are shut and properly sealed.
This is a simple task to complete on your own. The less cool air that escapes your home through these spaces, the less energy you will waste. Not to mention you want to be sure to keep as much cool air inside your home as possible!
Another task that takes a little more time and money is getting a programmable thermostat. While this can be costly and time consuming, the benefits are great. You will save more energy with a programmable thermostat than a regular thermostat because you do not have to think about changing the thermostat when you want the temperature to be adjusted.
You can pre-program a programmable thermostat to be off while you’re at work or away from home in order to save energy when you do not use it. A programmable thermostat is a very convenient and easy way to save time and energy while allowing your home to stay cool at all times.
Tasks for the Professional
While the above mentioned tasks can be successfully completed on your on with ease, there are some tasks that are best left to the professionals. The most important part of your air conditioner’s tune up is the annual inspection by a certified and knowledgeable technician. During your annual inspection, the professional will thoroughly inspect your air conditioner for any issues and make repairs as necessary.
They will also clear your air conditioner’s drain. A clogged drain can use as much energy as a dirty air filter because the unit has to work much harder to send out the cool air. The professional will also clean both the outdoor and indoor units. This will help to remove more dust and debris than you can get to on your own by removing the debris just on the outside, or surface level.
Have your unit tuned up on a regular basis to ensure the system is operational when you need it most. The hot summer months can be quite unbearable when your AC is on the fritz!