A/C & HEATING SYSTEM HELPFUL TIPS
HOME AC
repairs:
Many can be avoided with proper maintenance of your air conditioning system. When
properly maintened, your air conditioner should last 12 years or more. But, just like a car, which requires
regular oil changes, periodic replacement of spark plugs, etc. to run properly, your a/c unit requires regular cleaning and
servicing to ensure that it will work efficiently, and that it will last the full intended life of the unit. Here are
a few tips you can use to help you maintain your system:
#1. Checking the filters
in
your heating and air conditioning system monthly will keep your unit running more efficiently, which conserves energy and
saves you $$MONEY$$. Clean filters can also help keep the air cleaner
and may provide some relief to those suffering severe allergies. Write
the date you put a new filter in the unit on the frame of the filter so you'll
know exactly when it's time to change it.
#2. Digital thermostats use batteries,
which need to be changed once a year. Mark your calendar to help you remember to change the batteries
in your thermostats, along with those in your smoke
detectors, every year.
#3. Outdoor
coil:
If your unit sits on the ground, be sure to keep the area around
the unit free of debris and vegetation and don't plant near it or install a fence that will block air flow to the unit.
The coil in your unit needs to be able to "breathe" to work efficiently.
#4. New AC units:
If your unit is more than ten years old, replacing it with a newer, more efficient unit could
save you 10-30% of
your energy costs. Not only are newer units more efficient, they are also environmentally friendly ("green")
which is becoming more and more important.
#5.
Refrigerant-freon:
If your ac system is not cooling properly, it may
be because it does not contain the correct amount of refrigerant (Freon).
You will need to call a professional to check and, if necessary, recharge
your system's refrigerant lines. This is not something a homeowner should
attempt to do on their own.
#6. Freon for older AC systems:
Homeowners with older units also need to be aware that the R22 Freon
used in older units is being phased out. By the end of 2009, all new units will use R410A
Freon. R22 Freon will continue to be available for a time, but the cost will rise significantly.
If you've been considering replacing your older unit with a more efficient unit, one that will cool
or heat your home better and save you energy dollars, now may be the time.
#7. Central Air
Conditioning systems
consist of two separate components:
the evaporator and the condensor. Both components are sealed. In addition, air conditioners are complex, and specialized
training is required to properly repair your system. Other than minimal maintenance as indicated above, a homeowner's
best decision affecting performance and longevity of their a/c system is to have the system serviced and cleaned at least twice a year by a professional, and to have the professional make any needed repairs.
#8. Help keep cooling related energy
costs down.
Use the exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms when appliances
are operating or the rooms are in use. Using fans to remove moisture-laden air from these rooms will cut down on the
cooling required by your air conditioner.
