Central air conditioning is a modern luxury that’s great when it works and a big headache when it doesn’t. Regular maintenance helps you avoid expensive breakdowns, and it can also keep your air conditioner running efficiently. If you’re a homeowner looking to maximize your AC’s performance, here are three maintenance tips that will also save you some money.
1. Replace the Filters
Your AC filters are necessary for keeping dust, pollen, and other debris out of your unit. They also trap airborne contaminants to prevent them from circulating inside your home. The effectiveness of your filters will decrease as they accumulate more debris, which makes your air conditioner work harder and consume more energy as a result. Changing your filters on schedule ensures contaminants get trapped, air flows freely, and your AC can continue to function smoothly. Most experts recommend replacing filters at least once a season. If you have furry pets or people who smoke in your home, you may need to change your filters every one to two months.
2. Clean the AC Coils
Your AC has coils are responsible for absorbing heat and releasing cooled air. Like your AC filters, these coils are also prone to accumulating debris, especially if you have an outdoor unit. Regularly changing your filters will slow down the accumulation process, but it won’t prevent it. Eventually, your coils will need to be cleaned by hand. To clean your coils, simply power down your unit, and use a commercial coil cleaner and a soft-bristled coil brush. Doing this at least once a year can prevent further issues from developing and minimize the energy needed to run your cooling system.
3. Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats can be programmed to raise and lower the temperature at certain times. For example, you probably don’t want your AC to waste energy cooling the entire house when everybody’s at work or school. By installing a smart thermostat, you can control what time your AC turns on and off based on your needs throughout the day.
Most models also allow you to access your thermostat from your phone, so you can even adjust the temperature when you’re not home. Purchasing a new thermostat may not seem like the gateway to saving money, but a programmable option will eliminate hours of unnecessary energy usage. This lowers the strain on your cooling system during periods of daily use and reduces your electricity bill. After a few billing cycles, your thermostat should pay for itself.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
A professional inspection is the most effective way to determine if your AC is running efficiently. A trained HVAC technician can also advise you on any upgrades that can make your AC more energy efficient, such as installing a smart thermostat.
For AC repair in Central Georgia and the Florida Panhandle, contact We Care Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric.
