An air conditioner is important because it ensures that you do not get uncomfortable when it is too hot. It comes in handy during those hot summer months when you want to stay indoors in the cool air. With proper care, an air conditioner can last for several years. All you have to do is ensure that you check it regularly and call a repair service immediately if it breaks down. Waiting when there is a small problem might make the ac get more damaged such that it can no longer be repaired.
Apart from ensuring that it is in good condition, you should ensure that the ac is working efficiently so that you do not have to pay high energy bills. An ac that is working efficiently will give you the services you need and allow you to save up on energy bills at the same time. Here are some useful tips from Bluon Energy on how to ensure that the ac is functioning efficiently.
Ensure Your Attic Is Properly Insulated
One of the reasons why your ac will work extra is that there is just too much heat or cold from outside. This can occur mainly if you have poor insulation in your attic. You need to make sure that you get proper insulation so that there will be no chance of heat escaping from the house such that the ac has to work overtime. One of the best decisions you can make is choosing a proper contractor who has experience. They will be able to advise you on the best type of insulation for the house.
In addition to that, keep your doors and windows closed when it is not necessary to open them. If you need to open them then do so for a short amount of time. During winter, it is not advisable to leave the windows and patio doors open for too long.
Adjust Your Thermostat
One other way to ensure the ac is performing effectively is to ensure that the thermostat is set at the right temperature for each season. It is best to choose one setting for each season and then leave it be. Touching the thermostat too much while trying to adjust it may make the whole system malfunction. The thermostat may stop working altogether. When the system does not have too many cycles it gets used to a couple and that ensures efficiency. Make sure you are aware of the setting that makes the place feel comfortable so that you do not have to keep fiddling with it.
Do Not Block Your Vents
It is important to have a steady flow of air from the vents. This allows the ac to adjust the temperature in the room much better. It is advisable to vacuum any vents and ensure that there is no debris that has been trapped in the vents. You should also avoid placing furniture in front of the vents so as to allow the air to flow properly. The quality of the air inside the house will determine how efficient the ac will be.
You can call an HVAC team to clean out your vents every six or four months to ensure that they are not clogged. Your filters also need to be clean. Dust can get into the filters so you will need to clean them out occasionally.
Keep The Plants Away
Do not place plants near your ac or it will become slower. Your ac will need a good flow of air to work properly. If you place plants near it they obstruct the airflow and cause your ac to work overtime. This, in turn, drives your utility bills through the roof. Ensure there is a good distance between the ac and any plants that you may have in the house.
Place Blinds On The Sunny Sides
If there is direct sunlight streaming into the house, it means that the house will become too hot during the hot seasons. The ac will be working double time to keep the temperature down. It is best to have shades or blinds that block too much sun. They will ensure the house does not become too hot, therefore the ac will not be on throughout. You would benefit from closing the curtains in rooms where there is direct sunlight for too long.
Keep Any Heat Appliances Away
Your ac will sense when there is too much heat nearby, which will result in the thermostat increasing the colder air. This will mean that you are overworking the ac unnecessarily. You should ensure that any appliances that produce heat have been placed a good distance away. Make sure that you turn off any heat-producing appliances immediately after use so that the ac does not get overworked.
Put Up A Shade For The Condenser
Your condenser should be shaded adequately so that there is not too much heat getting to it. Keep in mind that this does not mean blocking the airflow. You will need to consult a professional to advise you on how to properly shade a condenser. This will ensure that it functions effectively.
Check For Debris In The Unit
Ensure you call a professional to look at the ac and see if there is debris such as leaves or animal fur. These are the things that can limit the efficiency of the ac. If the ac becomes too clogged it starts to work too much to get more air because of the blockage. There are ways you can take care of the issue yourself. However, if you feel that the issue should be handled by an expert it is best to call them.
Substitute Your Unit With Fans
Investing in a ceiling fan is a great way to ensure the unit is not working full time. A ceiling fan uses less energy than an ac that has to cool an entire house. These are ideal for the hot seasons and will save you some money in terms of energy bills. You can use the ac when you really need to.
