Georgia Heating and Air Professionals Offer Tips to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Efficiency

If you are looking to save money as a homeowner, you are not alone. Georgia heating and air technicians suggest some easy ways to increase the efficiency of your air conditioner for saving money and energy. Doing simple and quick A/C maintenance reduces the need for air conditioning repair or emergency new unit installation.

 

Quick and Easy Ways to Boost Your Air Conditioner’s Efficiency

Change the Air Filter

Your air conditioner will work harder and less efficiently if there is reduced airflow due to dirty or clogged filters straining the system. Filters are usually changed every three months and reduce dirt and dust circulating in your home to improve indoor air quality. If your filters are hard to reach or you do not have time to replace them, a Georgia heating and air technician can do this as part of a preventative HVAC maintenance checkup.

Vacuum/Dust and Unblock Air Vents

Restricted airflow reduces your air conditioner’s efficiency. Dust or vacuum your air vents weekly. Also, make sure there is no furniture or anything else blocking them.

Keep Doors and Windows Closed

Always make sure every door and window is completely closed when the A/C is on so you don’t waste energy and let air-conditioned air escape. Only have windows open when your A/C is off.

Clean and Shade Your Outdoor Unit

Debris like twigs and animal droppings can accumulate around the condenser and reduce your A/C’s efficiency. Clear away all leaves, branches, dirt, and other objects blocking the unit. You can even turn the power off and open the panel to clean the fins. Putting a cover on the condenser unit protects it from the elements too.

Don’t Use Heat Generating Appliances on Extremely Hot Days

Appliances such as the oven or hair dryer generate warm air that will circulate throughout your home. This will make your A/C work harder to compensate, just if you had your windows open.

Increase Thermostat Temperature

Increasing your thermostat by just a couple of degrees will not make it work as hard on extremely hot days and save you money. Consider investing in a programmable thermostat that automatically sets the temperature for certain times of the day.

 

Georgia Heating and Air Experts’ Other Tips to Increase A/C Efficiency

Thermostats Should Not Be Near the Heat

A thermostat may misread the temperature if it’s near a heat-producing appliance or in direct sunlight. This will make your air conditioning kick in overdrive to cool your home and you will spend more money on air.

Install Window Coverings

If you don’t have curtains or blinds, install them. These can block some heat from reaching the inside of your home. Close curtains and blinds for windows in direct sunlight, to prevent unnecessary heating that makes your HVAC system work harder.

Have Ductwork Cleaned and Insulated by a Professional

Conditioned air can escape through your air ducts. When a technician insulates air ducts, the ducts are also cleaned and inspected for leakage, which improves your air conditioner’s efficiency.

Fix Air Leaks

Cool air can easily seep out of tiny spaces around windows, doors, and attics, which can run up your energy bill. Just like open windows, your A/C will run harder. Make your HVAC system run better by occasionally testing for leaks, caulking windows and door frames, and sealing ductwork.

Clear the Drain Line

The drain line (near the indoor cooling coil) can clog up and could create a blockage and water damage. Pour one cup of chlorine bleach down the A/C drain, followed by one gallon of water. This is especially useful in summer when your air conditioner is working its hardest. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, a Georgia heating and air expert can do this as part of routine HVAC maintenance.

 

Georgia Heating and Air #1 Tip for an Efficient Air Conditioner

Schedule preventative HVAC maintenance twice a year, in the spring and fall.

Your HVAC system has many moving (and expensive) electrical and mechanical components that wear out over time, like any appliance. Routine maintenance lets a Georgia heating and air technician improve system performance. A technician tunes up the unit, completes seasonal tasks, and identifies minor issues to fix before larger components are damaged. When larger parts are damaged, this becomes a bigger, more expensive repair. Bi-annual maintenance helps to improve your A/C’s efficiency and operating life.

Contact AComfort online or call 678-688-7378 now to schedule an A/C repair or routine maintenance checkup.