When the weather gets warm, you’re going to want your air conditioner to be running as efficiently as possible so that you can stay cool all summer long even on the hottest days without spending more than necessary. A system that runs efficiently can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over a system that isn’t tuned to run as efficiently as possible. If you’re looking for some ways to get the most from your air conditioner, check out these tips.
Clean the Condensate Line
Air conditioners don’t just cool the air; they also take the moisture out of the air, and that moisture has to go somewhere. If you want your air conditioner to run efficiently, you need it to pull humidity away from the home. The condensate line is where the water pulled from the air is collected and moved to the exterior of the house. Unfortunately, dust can settle in the condensate line, and you might even get mold growing inside of the line, which can smell bad and slow down the rate that the water is able to leave the air conditioner. Over time, this might even damage your air conditioner. Cleaning out the line with some bleach will kill mold, mildew, and algae. However, if you have a clog, you might need a special pump or a wet-dry vacuum to get it cleared. If you’re struggling with this project, you can easily talk with one of us at Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating.
Replace the Filters
Filters remove dust from your home as the air passes through it. As the filter gets filled with dust, the air conditioner has to work harder to push air through. If you want the quality of the air in your home to be as good as possible and your air conditioner to run efficiently, change the filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This will cut down on the amount of dust in your entire system, improve the quality of your air, and lead to fewer avoidable breakdowns.
Clean the Ductwork
Dust often collects in the ductwork, and it’s not just affecting the quality of the air that you’re breathing. It’s also making it more difficult for the blower to push air through the ductwork and registers. You should aim to clean the ducts every three to five years.
Tighten the Belts
There are belts inside of the AC unit that help ensure that you have optimal airflow with less energy expenditure. Plus, there are a number of other reasons that you might want to ensure that your belts are in good working condition. For instance, belts that are loose will make squealing noises. In fact, you can think of this noise as a sign that there’s something wrong with one of your belts. Additionally, you want to catch this issue sooner rather than later because belts that aren’t working properly can leave your air conditioner prone to larger problems.
Remove Debris From the Outside Unit
It’s easy to overlook, but the area around the outside portion of the air conditioner plays a big role in the function of your air conditioner. The outside unit must pull in air from the surrounding area to cycle into the home. In order for the unit to effectively pull air into the air conditioner, the surrounding area needs to be cleared of debris, such as weeds, twigs, and dead leaves.
Get a Tune Up
Having a professional come to your house to provide a tune-up is one of the best ways to ensure that all parts of your air conditioning maintenance are covered. They’ll do many of the previously mentioned services and more. For instance, they’ll also oil parts so that they move with less friction, which can make it harder for your air conditioner to run efficiently. A skilled technician can also spot problems in the making so that you can also know that you’re getting the best quality service from your air conditioner.
Insulate and Seal Seams of Exposed Ductwork
The ductwork that’s not behind a wall can be sealed to prevent air from leaking into areas where you don’t want it. Sealing your ducts will also prevent some rooms from not receiving cool air. If you want to seal your ducts yourself, you’ll need foil tape to seal off all of the vertical seams. Then, you can apply duct mastic to the joints. Finally, apply insulation around the outside. Otherwise, if you would rather have a professional do the job for you, we can go out to your house to apply a liquid rubber sealant on the inside of the ductwork.
Replace the Insulation Around the Outdoor AC Lines
Over time, water and other outdoor elements can rot away the insulation around the outdoor lines on your air conditioner. As they rot, you also lose energy efficiency. That’s why you should check this part of your air conditioner every spring before you have to invest a lot of money in your energy costs. If you notice that there are leaks, you can replace the insulation fairly easily yourself. Otherwise, have a professional technician do it for you if you want a full selection of services.
Opt for a Programmable Smart Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is one of the best investments that you can make when you’re trying to increase the efficiency of your air conditioner. Not only will a programmable thermostat ensure that you’re only running your air conditioner when you actually need it, but it will also help you make smarter decisions about when to run it and the temperature you keep your system running at because many models can track your energy usage so that you can make smarter decisions on when to run your cooling system. Some cities even have programs that will automatically turn off your air conditioning during peak times, which can help you save money on your energy bills by avoiding using extra energy when it’s priced the highest.
Make Sure Your Unit is the Right Size for Your Home
It can be a big expense if you don’t need a new unit otherwise, but having the right size air conditioner for your home is crucial if you want it to run efficiently. If you’re looking to get a new unit anyway, make sure that you invest the research time into getting a unit that fits your home. Units that are too big for your house will cycle on and off more frequently because they can cool the home faster than a smaller unit. Unfortunately, it takes more time to dehumidify the air in the home, so you’ll be left with a cool, damp feeling in the air. Additionally, all of the cyclings on and off take more energy than a longer, more continuous cooling. On the other hand, a unit that’s too small will have to run constantly to try to keep up with removing heat and moisture from your home. That’s why it’s important to talk to a qualified air conditioning technician when you’re choosing your next system.
If you’re looking for a company that can take care of your air conditioner and so much more, Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating is the company for you. We can provide furnace repair and replacement, air conditioning maintenance, and more. Give us a call today.