Tips on maintaining your air conditioner
It’s almost time to get those air conditioners tuned up and ready. The hot summer months are right around the corner.
Heating and cooling a home adds up to nearly half of a homeowner’s annual energy bill – about $1,000 a year.
Here are four A/C operating tips that will help you keep your air conditioner working efficiently and cost effectively through this summer and many more to come.
- Keep it maintained: Have your system tuned up by an HVAC-system professional at the start of each cooling season. He will change the filter, but check it regularly as the cooling season progresses. As soon as it looks dirty, change it, as a dirty filter impedes airflow and makes your air conditioner work too hard. (If you did not have a tune-up this spring, it’s not too late!)
- Provide enough clearance: Your air conditioner’s condenser needs plenty of airflow to run well. Make sure it has at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides. It should also have 5 feet of open space above it. Trim trees, grass and other vegetation away from the unit.
- Reduce sources of indoor heat: Close the drapes to keep out sunshine that raises your indoor temperature. Pay particular attention to windows facing south or west, as they get the most sunlight.
- Use your A/C and appliances wisely: Keep your thermostat set as close to 78 or 80 as possible. Each degree you raise your thermostat could lower your cooling bills by as much as 5 percent. Use your ceiling and space fans to keep the air circulating
