The weather is uncomfortably warm outside! It’s time to step-up your game and take proactive measures to save energy and prevent a high electricity bill on your air conditioning unit. Here is what you can do to help improve the comfort of your home and the efficiency of your system to beat both the heat and soaring utility bills!
Change Your AC Filters Every Month
Many homeowners forget that the air filter’s replacement cycle is also affected by the duration of their air conditioning system’s usage. During the hot summer days when your AC is in heavy use, the air filter gets dirty more quickly. Clogged air filters not only impact the system’s cooling efficiency but also results in accelerated wear and tear and increased energy cost. It is a good practice to check the air filters regularly, at least once every month, and replace them if the filters are covered in dust.
Keep Your Vents Clean And Clear
Cleaning all the air vents in your home regularly not only keeps your indoor air clean but will also save some of your hard-earned money spent on air conditioning. Poorly-maintained and dirty vents develop cracks which allow the indoor air to escape. When this happens, your AC will be forced to work nonstop to maintain the comfort of your home. Thankfully, all of this can be prevented by following a good cleaning routine!
Use Ceiling Fans
The most cost-efficient way to keep your indoors cool and comfortable is by using your ceiling fans. Fans can help improve air circulation in the room. The movement of cool air on your skin feels like a soothing breeze, allowing you to increase the temperature on your thermostat by a few degrees. Use the ceiling fan in your room only when you are in it!
Shut Out The Outside Heat
A bright sunny day does not always feel nice, especially when the summer weather is at its worst! Close your windows with curtains and blinds to keep the scorching heat out. Blackout curtains work the best when it comes to reducing the outside heat entering into your home through the windows.
Don’t Put Heat Producing Appliances Near The Thermostat
Certain appliances that generate heat such as lamps, refrigeration units, and many others must be kept away from the thermostat in your home. Thermostats are designed to detect your indoor air temperature and accordingly regulate the working of your air conditioning unit. The heat produced by these appliances in close proximity of the thermostat will force it to give wrong directions, making your AC work longer than required.
Don’t Skimp On Professional AC Maintenance
Aside from the basic cleaning chores, your air conditioning unit also needs detailed maintenance by a certified HVAC technician regularly. Professional cleaning ensures that your system continues to work reliably throughout the summer season. Moreover, a well-trained technician will also fix any problems found during the tune-up process.
The HVAC maintenance checklist includes performing the following tasks:
• Checking the level of refrigerant gas.
• Inspecting the refrigerant for leaks using a leak detector.
• Capturing any refrigerant that needs to be evacuated from the system (It is illegal to release it into the atmosphere.)
• Finding leaks and cracks in the central system and sealing it properly.
• Estimating airflow through pressure drop across the evaporator coil. Also, inspecting the evaporator coil for dirt or other blockages if the pressure drop measurement is found to be higher than the acceptable range.
• Checking for correct electric control sequence to ensure that the heating system and cooling system cannot function simultaneously.
• Evaluating electric terminals, cleaning and securing connections, and applying a non-conductive coating, if required.
• Oiling the motors inside the system and also checking the belts for tightness and wear.
• Inspecting the thermostat for functional accuracy.
If your air conditioning system needs a professional cleaning and tune-up service, call Arellano Heating & Air LLC in Yerington and Fernley, Nevada, for dependable service! In case your system is quite old and requires an upgrade, we can provide you with a free estimate on replacing your old unit with a better, energy-efficient system!