Tips for a More Efficient Air Conditioning Unit This Summer

With the arrival of the summer season comes the cranking up of your air conditioner. Not only that, but you can also expect to spend more on your cooling bills during the year’s summer months. To save some money and do your part to save the environment, there are few tips you can put to good use to make for a more efficient air conditioner this summer and for future summers as well.

Close It Up

Before turning your air conditioner on, go through your house to make sure your windows and entryway doors are closed. Accidentally leaving a window or entry door open while running your air conditioner causes your unit to work harder than necessary to reach your desired temperature and keep it there, resulting in higher cooling costs and a waste of resources.

While you’re checking your doors and windows, take a close look at them to see if they have any leaks where cool air can escape, which is almost as bad as flung open windows and doors. If you aren’t sure you have leaks in your doors or windows, don’t attempt to climb up to windows on the upper levels, consider your safety first and foremost and use a service provider whom has been trained in height safety. Reach out to a company that specializes in air conditioning maintenance to check your home for you and to see what other steps you can take to make your unit more efficient. Consider safety carefully and use a service provider whom adheres to health and safety requirements.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

Rather than fiddle with your air conditioner throughout the day to find the perfect temperature, do yourself a favor and invest in a programmable thermostat. Your home will be at the perfect temperature no matter the time of day, and some thermostats allow you to adjust them when you’re away from home through an app, providing you with a perfectly cooled home when you return and the option to turn off your unit while on the go if you forget to do so before leaving the house.

Have Your Air Filters Professionally Cleaned

You should also have your air filters cleaned by professionals. Doing so allows for better airflow through your vents and more efficient operation overall. How often you should have your vents cleaned depends on how much you use your unit, but during the hottest time of the year, you’ll want to have the job done at least once every three months. Clean vents allow for savings on your energy bill, and you can lengthen the overall life of your unit when your vents are free of dust, debris and anything else that becomes caught in your filters.

Keep Your Unit’s Air Condenser Free of Debris

Take some time to step outside to inspect your air conditioner’s condenser. Ideally, you’ll want to clear out debris, branches, bushes and other plants and obstructions at least two feet from around your condenser and the rest of your unit so it gets the airflow it needs to operate at peak efficiency.

Have Your Unit Serviced

Just because your air conditioner seems to be in good working order doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have it regularly serviced by a professional technician. Know that HVAC problems often start off small before they become major emergencies. By having your unit regularly serviced even when everything seems to be in good working order, you can become aware of small issues that might need your attention in the near future. This also allows you to plan your budget accordingly, which is better than scrambling for the funds when you need an emergency repair. This is a particularly relevant tip for landlords and property managers.

Be sure you don’t neglect to take proper care of your air conditioner this summer, or any other summer in the future, for that matter. A little diligence and effort are sure to do you, your unit and your finances some good throughout the year.