If you’ve lived in the area for even just one summer, then you know that your air conditioner is in for a big workout pretty soon. Fortunately, it is durable and designed to handle the heat—when it is properly cared for!
When it’s not properly cared for, you may find yourself paying a lot more for your AC to keep you cool than you should have to. You may also find yourself facing needs for air conditioning repair in Norman, OK that you shouldn’t need to. The good news is, there are many methods to not only boost efficiency and lower costs, but prevent repair needs, too. Keep reading to learn more.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
If you haven’t done this yet, now is the time! Truthfully, it’s never too late to schedule maintenance (unless of course your air conditioner has already broken down completely with no chance of repair). It matters more that you have it done consistently. This means if you have a traditional central air conditioner, you should have it tuned-up once a year. If you have a heat pump, you should have it done twice a year.
Raise the Temperature on the Thermostat
“Wait, what?” you might ask.
Bear with us!
We aren’t asking you to turn on the heat during the summer—that would be senseless. You might be keeping your thermostat lower than really necessary, however. A lower thermostat setting doesn’t provide your living space with cooling any faster. It just keeps your compressor running longer, which wears down on the system faster.
We recommend setting the temperature on your thermostat at 78° during the day since this is the temperature most people are comfortable at.
Check the Outdoor Unit for Buildup
The outdoor unit of your air conditioner—the condenser cabinet—is where the air conditioner exhausts the heat it removes from your home. It can’t do this effectively if the cabinet grill is dirty or trees and brush are obstructing it. You want to clear out the area by about a foot on all sides to allow for proper airflow. We also suggest cleaning off any dirt or grime with a hose (not a high-pressured one as this can damage the coils).
Clear Obstructions Indoors
Your outdoor unit isn’t the only part of your air conditioner at risk of losing airflow due to buildup. Your indoor vents can get dusty, or be blocked with things like furniture, backpacks, toys, etc. This will impact the airflow coming into your home, leading to less comfort for you, and an air conditioner that has to work too hard.
Change the Air Filter
The air filter that comes with your HVAC system upon installation is there to protect the system and the blower fan from dust and other debris drawn in through the return air ducts. The filter becomes congested after 1-3 months, and needs to be replaced, or cleaned if it’s a permanent filter. Otherwise, the blockage of airflow will, again, cause your cooling system to work harder.
At Comfort Incorporated, we keep your family safe, healthy and comfortable–call today, service today!
