Your Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Air Conditioner
Air conditioners are essential during the spring and summer months, but do you know how to increase the effectiveness of your AC? There are simple and easy-to-follow ways to make the air conditioner more efficient, improve air quality in your home, get relief from the heat and save money on your energy bills.
Clean the Air Filters
Improve efficiency and air quality by replacing the air filters every few months. Air filters pick up dirt, mold, bacteria, pet fur and pollen, which is bad for air quality. Plus, all that junk clogs up the filters and makes the AC less effective.
Use Window Treatments
Heat comes into your house from all directions, from roof to floor, but the windows alone account for about 25% of heat transfer. You can reduce that significantly with window treatments, such as film tints, sunscreens, energy-efficient windows and thermal curtains.
Check the Ductwork
The ductwork is the tubing part of the HVAC system that moves cool air throughout your house. It’s also the part of the unit with the refrigerant and drain pan. Make sure you’re using the best ductwork for your system and that it’s properly installed. Then look for signs of wear and tear, such as leaks or hot air coming from the vents. You’ll probably need the help of a professional, but given how important the ductwork is for the AC, scheduling an appointment will be well worth it in the end.
Use a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats can be controlled from your phone, making it easy to save money. Equally important, smart thermostats learn your habits over time and will adjust to your usage patterns and personal needs.
Raise the Temperature
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that you set the thermostat at 78° Fahrenheit. It’s better for the environment and your bank account. If you follow the other tips on this list, 78° will be easy to do.
Use a Ceiling Fan
While ceiling fans don’t create cool air, they do circulate the air coming from the AC and provide a wind chill. The effect of the wind chill is that you feel cooler with a ceiling fan than without one.
Routinely Give the AC a Checkup
Every few months, check around the air conditioning unit for any leaks, outward signs of damage and strange noises. Doing this helps you catch signs of a problem early. However, if you need an AC repair or replacement, call us at Crocker Refrigeration Heating & Air in Santa Barbara, CA. You can count on our experienced technicians to keep your AC humming whenever you need it.
