AC Maintenance Tips: Efficient Cooling & Energy Cost Savings
Centennial in Colorado is a nice place to live, but it can get very hot during the summer. You need a home cooling system that won’t fail when the temperature rises. It is essential to do routine maintenance to make sure that your HVAC unit is functioning correctly to keep you comfortable all year round.
Regularly servicing your air conditioning system has many benefits, including enhanced performance, extended lifespan, increased energy efficiency, and improved indoor air quality.
In this article, we’ll give you maintenance tips to keep your air conditioning system in tip-top shape. However, if the issues are beyond your DIY skills, you need to look for a professional team that offers reliable AC repair in Centennial, CO.
Optimize Your Air Conditioning System
If you want maximum cooling efficiency and reduced energy consumption from your AC unit, you must ensure it is properly maintained and cared for. Here are some tips to keep your air conditioning in its optimal working condition:
Customize Thermostat Setting
You can set your thermostat to the right temperature when you are at home and raise it to a few degrees when you’re away. That helps you save on energy costs. Depending on the climate, you can also use the thermostat buttons to switch between fan-only, cooling, or heating modes. You should also program the thermostat to be at least 78 °F (26 °C) during the spring and summer. A temperature setting of 68 °F (20 °C) is ideal during fall and winter to reduce energy costs while you remain comfortable.
Use Smart Scheduling
Use your air conditioning unit’s technology, such as smart scheduling. Most of the newer AC models have energy-saving programmable thermostats that can reduce your heating and cooling costs by as much as 20%. This technology lets you program your AC unit to turn on or off automatically. You can set it to a specific high value when no one is at home and set it to a comfortable temperature a few minutes before arriving.
Enhance the AC Unit’s Airflow
Your air conditioning unit has filters that can get dirty over time. When this happens, the airflow will get restricted, causing the unit to have difficulty cooling the room. As such, it is essential to clean your unit filters regularly. Most air conditioning technicians recommend cleaning the filters at least once every three or six months. You also need to replace the filters when they are too worn.
Like the indoor unit of a split type of air conditioning, the outdoor unit needs to circulate air without restrictions to be efficient. Make sure that the condenser and evaporator units are not clogged and dirty.
Keep the Vents Clean and Clutter-Free
Your air conditioning vents should be free from dust and dirt and clear of furniture or clutter for optimal air circulation. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the vents. You should also ensure the duct is free from blockages and is not leaking air. You might need the help of a professional AC technician to check on ductwork damages or air leaks.
Keep Your AC Unit Properly Maintained
Set aside time to clean your indoor and outdoor air conditioning units regularly. The outdoor units can get dirty faster since they are exposed to the elements. Remove dust and leaves and hose them to wash areas you can’t manually clean. Meanwhile, you can vacuum the indoor unit’s intake grille to remove dust.
Schedule HVAC Professional Maintenance
While you regularly clean your air conditioning unit, you will still need the help of a professional for an annual inspection. Experienced and licensed technicians can identify potential AC issues and ensure the unit is functioning properly and efficiently.
Professional HVAC technicians can check if the AC unit has the correct amount of refrigerant or if it has leaks. They can also spot duct leakage and check the thermostat’s accuracy.
Call a Service Technician for AC Repair
Your air conditioning system needs more than just maintenance if it’s not cooling efficiently. When your AC shows signs of leakage or stops working altogether, you have a cooling emergency on your hands. It’s time to call a professional AC technician for repair services for your home.
It is advisable to have a list of reliable HVAC technicians near you, especially those who offer emergency repairs. And make sure to hire a reputable service provider. A service technician will be able to promptly diagnose and fix the problems of your HVAC system.