1. CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTER
Replace your home AC air filter at least every 3 months for the small one inch pleated filters and at least every 6 months for the larger 4 to 6 inch HEPA filters. A clogged AC filter reduces the amount of air that is allowed to move through the air conditioning system and this dust, pollen and dirt reduces the efficiency of your home’s air conditioner.
This is possibly the number one cause of preventable wasted energy in your home. If you keep your home cooler than most during the summer months, you may need to replace your air conditioning air filter every 2 months. This is a very inexpensive way of reducing energy bills created by your home’s air conditioning system.
2. USE CLEAN CEILING FANS
Using ceiling fans to cool a room in the summertime is a super efficient way to make a room feel cooler than it really is. And a ceiling fan only costs $3 to $7 a month to run 24 hours a day depending on the style you have. Running a ceiling fan while you are not in the room to enjoy it is a waste of money.
Make sure to clean the fan blades often. A small layer of dust on the leading edge of fan blades can reduce their efficiency by as much as 79%. It will be spinning but you can’t feel the air being moved. This is because its not moving as much air as it can when its clean. Please use a proper ladder when performing this task. Chairs don’t count as a ladder either:)
3. REMOVE DUST FROM AIR VENTS
The efficiency of your home’s air conditioning system can be improved by removing dust and debris from the air conditioning vents and registers. You can do this using a vacuum with a brush attachment. Also ensure that the return vent or register is not obstructed by any household objects such as toys, curtains, couch, etc… Make the cleaning of vents a routine task while cleaning your home to ensure a smooth running and efficient air conditioning system.
4. CLEAN AROUND OUTDOOR CONDENSER UNIT
The outdoor portion of your home’s air conditioning system works best when its clean and free of all debris such as leaves, grass clippings and dirt. To clean the outdoor portion of your home’s air conditioning system, use a solution of dish soap and warm water. Spray the solution on the coils and outside cover and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Rinse with a garden hose. Use a soft scrub brush if necessary.
Be careful not to damage or bend the metal fins or coils on this condensing unit. This prevents air flow and will cause the air conditioner to work harder in order to cool your home. If you notice any rusty areas or missing fins on the coil, please call us so that we can perform a thorough investigation of your air conditioning system. It may be time to replace it. Repeat this cleaning each year, especially in Spring, for best results.
5. BE THERMOSTAT SMART
If your home’s thermostat is located near a light, television or other heat source, try to move these items, or keep them off as much as possible. It could be causing your home air conditioner to run more than is necessary because it thinks the house is hotter than it really is. Consider installing a smart thermostat that keeps track of your activity in the home. We can also move your thermostat if it is located in the wrong place. Please, do not attempt to do this yourself. You could hurt yourself or others.
6. USE CURTAINS AND BLINDS EFFECTIVELY
Use the curtains and blinds in your home to your favor. Keep them closed when the sun is shining directly on your home. Open them in the evening when the sun is setting. Consider installing reflective tint to your windows to keep the sun’s heat out.
7. USE OVEN AND DRYER AT COOLER TIMES
Although not always convenient, try to use your clothes dryer and oven at cooler times of the day. This added strain can cause your air conditioning system to run more than is necessary to absorb the heat caused by these heat sources. Make sure that your clothes dryer is vented outside of your home. Consider installing a hood vent over your stove and oven that removes hot air from the home instead of just recirculating it in the room.
8. INSULATE DUCT WORK
If you have duct work in your attic, make sure that it is insulated properly. Also make sure that any joints are properly sealed with mastic. Make sure that your attic is well vented to prevent the buildup of heat which warms your duct work more than necessary and causes your home’s air conditioning system to work overtime. Installing an attic fan may help to remove this summer heat from the attic thus reducing the strain on your home’s air conditioning system.
9. SHADE YOUR AC CONDENSER UNIT
Consider installing a wall, tree or tall shrubs to block your outdoor condensing unit from the hot summer sun. Keeping the outdoor portion of your home’s air conditioning unit cool helps your home’s air conditioning system to run more efficiently. Make sure though that these shrubs or trees do not obstruct the air flow around the condensing unit. This could actually reduce the efficiency of your home’s air conditioning system.
Don’t Have Time To Perform Air Conditioning Maintenance On Your Home?
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Our Peace of Mind HVAC Maintenance Agreement Program is an hvac system agreement designed to prevent future breakdowns and save you money all year. We offer Rehoboth Beach heating maintenance and Rehoboth Beach air conditioning maintenance in the same program. Read more here about how this super beneficial and proven hvac maintenance program can help those living in Rehoboth Beach DE save money and make your life much easier. Call for pricing on multiple systems and commercial properties.