Useful tips for getting the most from your AC unit
Caring for an AC unit isn’t a lot of work. They aren’t generally high-maintenance machines and only require occasional care to run at optimal efficiency. Following are a few useful air conditioning tips for getting the most from your AC unit.
Filters Are Important.
It’s easy to overlook the importance of something as small and cheap as a filter, but they are one of the most important components of any air conditioning unit. A dirty air filter alone will cause a severe increase in the amount of energy it takes to cool your home. That means that cheap little filter will cost you a lot of money if you don’t change it regularly.
Anytime you purchase a filter you should notice the minimum efficiency reporting value(MERV). Higher numbers are usually a sign of a better filter. A higher number means more filtration, which means better circulation and less energy consumption.
However, even the best of the best filters will outlive their usefulness. Regularly check your filters to ensure they are still performing at maximum capacity. If not, then go ahead and replace them on the spot. Always keep some spare filters ready at all times.
The Impact Of The Attic.
Do you have an attic? Are you aware of the impact it has on your AC bill? If you keep your attic clean, then you should notice your AC requires much less work and energy to cool the house. That’s because too much junk in the attic interferes with circulation.
Remember how you didn’t want a bad air filter because it disrupts air circulation? The exact same logic applies to the clutter in your attic. If you keep it clear of clutter, then the air can circulate more efficiently. More efficient circulation equals less energy and cheaper bills. It also extends the lifespan of your AC unit because it’s not working as hard to cool the home.
Leaks Are Bad News.
Leaks of any sort are bad news. You wouldn’t ignore water leaking from your pipes and you shouldn’t ignore air leaking from your AC unit. Leaking air is wasted energy and puts more strain on the AC unit. An AC unit may be losing as much as 20 percent of their air through a single, small leak.
Luckily, most leaks aren’t extremely difficult to repair. You can simply use some high-quality foil tape to cover the hose if the leak is small. If the leak is originating from a fault valve, then you’ll need to replace the valve itself. You can do this yourself or hire a professional HVAC expert to handle the job.
Insulation Always Helps.
If you’re looking for ways to improve the efficiency of your AC unit, then there are few things you can do that will help as much as installing some high-quality insulation. Upgrading the insulation in your walls is great, but that’s a lot of work.
More importantly, try insulating pipes, hoses, and ducts. This will help keep the air inside where it should belong instead of escaping into the room and increasing the temperature.