The high temperatures in the summer lead to increased dependency on air conditioners. This can then lead to increased energy consumption and more wear and tear on the unit’s components. Fortunately, there are several ways to make your air conditioner (AC) more efficient and reduce the damage to its parts. The following tips can help you reduce energy bills and delay repairs and replacement.
1. Keep the Air Filters Clean
The first step to having an efficient air conditioner is cleaning or replacing the air filters on a regular basis. These are the AC components responsible for ensuring your indoor air is clean. They remove airborne contaminants from the air circulating in your home, including dust, pet dander and other pollutants. The trapped dirt particles can accumulate on the filter’s material, clogging its pores and restricting air movement. As a result, your AC has to work harder to draw in air. Clean air filters can lower your energy consumption by up to 15%.
There are different air filters depending on the system model. Some ACs use replaceable filters, which are usually replaced every two to three months, depending on their condition. These are made with paper or cardboard frames and fiberglass, cotton or polyester as the filter material. You can buy them in bulk for timely replacement. Other systems have washable filters that should be cleaned once every one to three months for the central air conditioners and every two weeks for mini-split systems.
Use a vacuum cleaner to reduce dust buildup, and clean the frame with a microfiber cloth. You can wash in a deep sink or use a garden hose to remove stubborn dirt. Ensure the filter is completely dry before reinstalling it to prevent mold growth. Avoid pressurized cleaners as they may damage the filter. If there are signs of damage, such as holes or rips, consider replacing the filter. Choose one with the highest Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating that your system allows.
2. Install a Smart Thermostat
As new technologies develop, smart thermostats are becoming more popular than traditional models because they help save energy. The thermostat is the control center for your AC because it dictates when the system starts and completes a cycle. Smart thermostats give you better control over your unit as you can change the settings wherever you are. For instance, if you unintentionally leave the system operating, you can access the thermostat via your smartphone and turn the system off or into power-saving mode. This prevents unnecessary energy use when your house is unoccupied.
Additionally, smart thermostats track your energy use and can provide reports that help you identify areas where you are losing energy. They also give you recommendations on ways you can cut down the cost. The location of the thermostat can, however, affect the performance of the air conditioner. It should be installed in one of the rooms you frequently use, but avoid areas of heat generation, including the kitchen or near appliances that radiate heat. Placement in these sites can cause false readings, which cause your system to operate unnecessarily. Ensure it is installed in an area where there is unrestricted airflow so the sensors can accurately read the temperatures.
3. Get Proper Insulation and Sealing
Adequate home insulation preserves the cool air inside your house and can reduce cooling expenses by up to 20%. The ceiling is the largest source of heat gain because it has a greater area exposed to outside temperatures. Excess heat can build up in the attic and crawl space, leading to higher energy costs.
A qualified technician can conduct an insulation check to determine areas in your home that require insulation. You can use bulk insulation, which uses pockets of trapped air to resist heat transfer. Alternatively, upgrade with reflective insulation, which prevents heat flow because of its high reflectivity and low emissivity. Regardless of the type you use, choose an insulating material with the right R-value for your climate and hire a professional for installation.
Air leakage can occur through cracks and openings. Even when properly insulated, your home can have gaps between building materials, doors and windows. Besides high energy use, air infiltration can allow moldy and dusty air to enter the house and cause health issues. Sealant and caulking compounds are used to seal air leak sources that are less than a quarter-inch wide around the windows and doors.
A professional weatherization technician will caulk and seal the area around which plumbing, ducting and electrical wiring are passed through exterior walls. Caulking compounds are available as water-based or solvents. They should be applied in dry weather when the temperature is above 45 degrees so the caulk sets properly and adheres to the surface. For better results, the sealing and caulking area should be clean, dry and free of old caulk and paint.
4. Professional Maintenance
A professional HVAC technician can help you keep your air conditioner effective so you can have an optimal indoor climate throughout the summer. The technician will clean your system during a maintenance appointment for better performance. Over time, the unit may accumulate dust and debris on the internal components, including the condenser and evaporator coils. The dust adds an insulation layer that restricts heat transfer between the coils and the surrounding air. This reduces the AC’s ability to cool your home, and it has to work longer to achieve the set temperature, leading to higher energy usage.
The ductwork may also accumulate dirt, especially if the air filters are dirty or damaged. They can get blocked, leading to poor distribution of conditioned air. Besides, the ducts may have leaks that can result from physical impact or pest damage. Ductwork has several interconnected pipe sections. The joints are sealed with mastic or metal tape sealant to hold the sections together and prevent air leakage. Due to age, the sealant may come loose, especially if no mechanical fastening was added during installation. The sections may come loose, leading to a loss of air.
Due to these leakages, the ductwork is responsible for the loss of up to 40% of the total cooling energy lost in average homes. The technician will inspect the duct system for leaks and dirt. They can clean them and improve sealing.
5. Clean the Air Vents
Proper ventilation allows the air conditioner to efficiently distribute air throughout your home. However, vents can accumulate dirt and debris, which can block free airflow. Some property owners may also unknowingly block some vents by placing objects near them. This forces the AC to work harder so it can supply conditioned air and meet the desired temperature. The increased workload can result in premature wear, reduced energy efficiency and uneven temperature distribution. Dust or vacuum the vents and remove any objects near them for free air movement.
An optimally working AC can ensure you have a comfortable indoor environment without straining to meet high energy bills. Our professionals at Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical are here to ensure your unit is in good condition through quality inspection and tune-up services. Besides maintenance, we provide HVAC installation, repair, replacement, and indoor air quality services to residents throughout Glendale and the surrounding areas. Our teams of plumbers and electricians have also provided top-notch services since 1976. Contact us at Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical for HVAC, electrical and plumbing services you can rely on.
