Is your air conditioner struggling to cool your house? Are you looking for ways to improve its efficiency? The number of households that rely on air conditioning for their cooling needs has steadily increased.
It’s no surprise, then, that many people are looking for ways to save money and increase the efficiency of their AC system. Fortunately, there are several simple changes that you can make to your air conditioner that will have a big impact on its performance and cost-effectiveness.
With just a little bit of research and planning ahead, you can improve your air conditioner’s efficiency and cut down on expenses at the same time. In this article, we discuss six easy steps that you can take right now to improve the efficiency of your AC system.
Close Windows and Doors
If you leave a window open, even for a few minutes, the humidity in the air will rise. This means that the AC unit will work harder and produce more electricity to cool the same area of your house. Keeping the windows and doors closed also reduces the warm air that flows into your home, which means that the AC unit has to work less hard to provide the same cooling effect.
Clean or Replace AC Filter
Most air conditioners come with a filter to keep your indoor air clean and free of contaminants. Over time, your air conditioner may become clogged with dust and debris. This can result in your AC unit working longer and harder to provide the same amount of cooling.
If your AC filter is dirty, the best thing to do is to clean it. You can use an automatic vacuum cleaner or a small brush to remove dust or debris. Next, change the filter to keep your air clean for an extended period. If your filter is completely covered in dust and debris, you need to replace it.
Fix Any Air Leaks
If your air conditioner is constantly dripping, it could be due to several issues, including a damaged roof, a leaky pipe, or a faulty seal around your pipes. In this case, repairing the damage will be the best option.
The key is to find the source of the leak and address it as soon as possible. One of the best things that you can do to fix any leaking is to turn on your AC unit and let it run until it is completely cool.
Running the compressor will cause air leaks to seal themselves. Once this has happened, you can turn off the air conditioner and look at it. If you see the source of the leak, you can start to repair it. This may include re-gapping the pipe, tightening a pipe joint, or adding sealant to the pipe.
Keep Vents Clean and Clear
Keeping your AC unit’s vents clean and clear will also help to improve its efficiency. If your vents are littered with dust and dirt, your air conditioner will struggle to cool your home. A clean vent will allow your AC unit to operate more efficiently, resulting in lower energy costs.
Vacuuming your vents once a week is the best way to clean them. Ensure that you remove any loose dust and dirt and clean the filters if necessary.
You can also try to clean your vents with a jet of water from a spray bottle while your AC unit is running. If you don’t have the time or patience to clean your vents, you can hire air conditioning services. They will check for potential issues and have their professionals fix them for you.
Keep the Thermostat Away from Heat Producing Appliances
If your heat-producing appliances are improperly installed, they will create more heat in your home than the air conditioner can cool. This could result in your thermostat being too hot and increasing your energy bill.
Installing an outdoor fan will keep your thermostat cool while pulling in fresh air to clean your house of excess heat. Your air conditioner will operate more efficiently, resulting in lower energy costs.
Install a Zoning System
Zoning systems allow you to split your home into rooms and adjust your air conditioner to suit each section. This means your air conditioner will be able to cool the rooms more effectively, reducing energy consumption and costs. Several zoning systems are available, so make sure you choose one that fits your needs.
Air conditioners are wonderful utilities, but they can be expensive to operate and maintain. The good news is that there are some simple changes that you can make to your air conditioner that will significantly impact its performance and cost-effectiveness.
With just a little bit of research and planning ahead, you can improve your air conditioner’s efficiency and cut down on expenses at the same time.
WRITTEN BY
Claire Ward