According to reports from the Department of Energy, heating and cooling costs can account for more than half of your total utility expenses.
This makes central air conditioning one of the largest energy expenses for the typical American residence.
With warmer weather on the horizon, we’ve compiled a list of simple, no-cost ways to improve the air conditioning efficiency in your home, so that you can get the most out of your system while minimizing costs.
.In this blog, however, we highlight the eight best no-cost maintenance tips for air conditioners. As the weather warms and homeowners begin to turn on their air conditioners, these tips can help maintain the health of their systems.
Clean the area around the outdoor condenser. Your outdoor unit will operate most effectively if it is free of dirt and debris. Click here to read our article on HVAC performance, which includes a video demonstrating how to clean your condenser properly. Professionals should perform a deeper, more comprehensive cleaning.
Vacuum indoor vents and keep vents unblocked. You can vacuum dirt and debris away from your system’s supply vents to maintain a steady airflow. Also, prevent blinds, furniture, and toys from obstructing the vents.
Raise the temperature by a few degrees. Changing the temperature by 5 to 8 degrees (lower in the winter, higher in the summer) can save money and energy. Using a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the temperature automatically for different times of the day or when you will be away from home for several hours.
Keep heat-generating lamps and appliances away from your thermostat. Having heat-generating appliances close to your thermostat will signal to it that the air in your home needs to be cooled more, causing the system to run for longer and work harder than necessary.
In the heat of the day, keep drapes and blinds closed. When direct sunlight hits your home’s windows, closing your curtains or blinds can reduce the amount of heat that enters your home.
Clear your drain line. Typically mounted above the furnace in the basement, there is a drain by the indoor cooling coil. If you flush one cup of chlorine bleach and a gallon of water down your air conditioning drain, you can keep it clear throughout the summer. Maintaining a clear drain line can prevent water from entering your basement if the drain becomes clogged.
Avoid using your dryer and oven during the day’s hottest hours. The use of your dryer and oven will cause warm air to be drawn into your home, which will force your air conditioner to work harder.
Insulate any exposed vents or ducts. Ensure that ductwork that runs through an unconditioned space is properly sealed to prevent conditioned air loss. You can repair visible leaks with UL 181-rated duct-sealing tape, but make sure a professional inspects the ductwork during your next scheduled maintenance. It is also recommended that your ductwork be insulated with duct insulating material of the appropriate thickness.
You do not always have to spend a lot of money to maintain the central air conditioning system you have purchased.
Understanding the various components of your HVAC system and ensuring that it runs efficiently will keep your system in prime condition for use this summer. gree split air conditioners