If you're like many people, the last thing on your mind this time of year is readying your central AC unit for summer. After all, between looking forward to warmer weather and catching up on bills and other chores around the house, who wants to think about calling a repairman?
Unfortunately, even if you ignore your air conditioner until it's too late — say when temperatures soar in July — you still have one good bet for keeping costs down: following manufacturer instructions regarding maintenance and service. Not doing so can cost homeowners hundreds of dollars in unnecessary repairs or replacements within three years. With that in mind, here are some easy ways to extend the life of your central AC system through Central AC Maintenance:
1. Implement a schedule for cleanings and
inspections
"I recommend
people get an annual tune-up," said David Cone, owner of ProTechs Mechanical
Services in San Antonio. "We do a full inspection, top to bottom." A
good HVAC service technician will give the AC unit what's called a coil
cleaning and check air filters that remove both airborne particles and heat
from inside the house.
2. Change the filter regularly but only when
needed
You may consider
yourself Mr. or Ms. Super Attentive Neighbor because you change your car's oil
right after it tells you to, or every 3,000 miles (or 4.8 kilometers) because
you know there are consequences for putting things off 7,500 miles (12). But
when it comes to the filter in your HVAC system, many homeowners ignore it or
put off changing it, which can lead to costly repairs. "I've seen furnaces
shut down because the filters were clogged," says David Cone. If you have
a furnace that runs on gas instead of oil, then pay attention to the air filter
too.
3. Keep All Vents Clear
This includes
registers and floor vents, plus anything else that moves air throughout the
house, including ceiling fans. "We're not just talking about how clean
they are but what might be stuck inside them." A good example is an
insect's nest, leaves, or dirt from last year's gardening season (or maybe even
something more recent). Good thing for the pictures below…
"Lint from a
dryer can also get stuck in vents, and that blocks airflow," adds Bill
Good. You may want to turn off the power or shut down the unit first before
accessing your AC unit's inside parts.
4. Energy Efficiency is Hot!
Remember those Energy
Star ratings? If you're not sure what this means…Basically, it is two things.
British thermal units (BTUs) are how hot your home will be. It also has to do
with the annual operating cost as estimated by Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). A
higher number of BTUs will make your AC bills higher, but lower heating costs
per month. Energy Star is a label given by the US government to appliances that
are about 20% more efficient than standard models. Since 1997, it has increased
energy efficiency dramatically in household appliances.
You are saving Money
on Your AC's Energy Bill! Although this is not really an option, here are some
quick tips that can help you lower your energy bill without having to buy a new
system or replace old components.
5. Ensure Proper Servicing
Your AC system runs
more efficiently when the fins and coils are kept clean. Preventative
maintenance or servicing your unit on a regular basis can go a long way in
keeping your energy consumption low. For instance, a dirty filter can increase
power consumption by as much as 25 percent. Regulations say that if you have a
cooling system, it needs to provide air at 7.5 liters per second for every 100
watts of rated power. But some manufacturers use less powerful motors, so they
will only produce air at 2 liters per second for every 100 watts of power
rating.
6. Choose an Efficient System
AC systems come in
two types: air conditioners heat pumps. Air conditioners function by cooling
indoor air and removing humidity, while heat pumps can both cool and heat.
While they're not completely the same thing, your choice will depend on how
much you want to spend and where you live (since heat pump systems use more
energy in cold climates).
7. Use Programmable Thermostats
A thermostat is an
electronic device that helps you control your central AC unit. It turns the AC
on and off for how long it runs, or when you are at work or sleeping. You can
set up a programmable thermostat by inputting your schedule. This will turn the
AC off when you are not home. You can get one for about $50-150, depending on
what features you want.
How Does This Relate to Central AC?
Keeping your air
ducts clean is an essential part of getting the most out of your central AC
unit. Even if you don't have allergies, dust and other substances in your air
duct systems could be lowering your HVAC system's efficiency by up to 30
percent! That may not seem like much, but it adds up quickly when applied to an
entire city—to give you an example, that's roughly equivalent to the output of
a large power plant.
By maintaining your
air ducts regularly, you'll allow your AC unit to function more efficiently and
last longer. Your wallet will also benefit from lower electricity bills!
Central air conditioners are one of the biggest users of electricity in
homes—by reducing their stress, you can also reduce your energy consumption
over time.
So, don't wait until
summer is in full swing—start now by having your air ducts inspected and
treated if necessary. For around $300-750, you can hire a professional company from
Le High HVACthat
will inspect your system and recommends any cleaning or repairs needed. They
will not provide materials or labor costs, but they should be able to give you
an accurate quote after inspecting your system. Heating and Cooling companies
often offer discounts during the winter months. If you want to get this done
soon, find a company that offers a discount.
Conclusion:
Maintaining the life
of your AC unit will save you in the long run because you won't have to replace
it or pay for expensive repairs. This is a great investment—especially when you
factor in the rising cost of energy! If you want to start this process, find a
reputable company online and ask for a quote. They should be able to give you
an accurate price depending on the make and model of your AC unit.
