Your home needs an air conditioner, especially in the summer. Therefore, you want it to provide maximum benefits by being reliable and efficient. Learning the best ways to ensure your system lives up to its expected lifespan while saving you money on energy bills is crucial. While your air conditioner provides comfort and convenience, it also works to protect you from harmful contaminants. Choosing a qualified HVAC company to maintain your AC is important.
1. Clean or Change the Air Filters Regularly
Although small in comparison to the overall size of the HVAC unit, air filters are crucial to the efficiency of your cooling system. They help make sure that the air indoors is healthy and breathable by capturing stubborn airborne particles such as dust, hair, pet dander, spores, fungus, and other contaminants. These particles eventually block the air filters, causing the contaminants to be recirculated in the indoor space. Cleaning or replacing the air filters every three months is generally recommended. However, some filters should be replaced monthly.
The frequency with which you change the air filters can depend on other factors, including the number of people or pets in your home. Keep in mind that clogged filters make your AC unit strain to cool the indoor air. This is because clogged filters impede normal air flow to your unit. As a result, the unit may run for extended periods, increasing your energy bills and decreasing the lifespan of your unit.
2. Check the Thermostat
When homeowners do general AC maintenance, they usually forget about the thermostat. This device acts as a control device for your unit. Consequently, your unit may be working harder than necessary if the thermostat is outdated or not working properly. When you turn on your unit, ensure cool air flows from the vents. Also, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. These programmable units play a major role in saving energy. Besides allowing for accurate temperature control, smart thermostats also learn your daily habits. They can also be controlled by your phone from anywhere. Programmable thermostats can also reduce unnecessary wear on your unit by reducing the temperature in the home when no one is there.
3. Enhance Insulation
Even if your AC is as efficient, you do not want it working harder than necessary. Among the best ways to prevent a unit from overworking is increasing the insulation in your home. Sufficient insulation prevents the conditioned air from escaping quickly to the outdoors and keeps the hot air where it belongs. One aspect of improving insulation indoors is ensuring you fill in all the cracks and gaps around the doors, windows, and the foundation of your home. Additionally, check the insulation in your attic. Deteriorating insulation in the attic is a major concern as it allows the cool air to escape the home. This practice can also benefit you during the winter to keep your home warm.
4. Schedule Annual Tune-ups for Your System
Schedule a tune-up with your HVAC technician at the beginning of every summer season. Your technician can make sure that your AC is running optimally. The technician can also spot and fix any small issues before they become bigger. Regular AC maintenance at Polar Express Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning comes with a 69-point check. We inspect of refrigerant levels, lubricate the moving parts, and inspect the electrical connections.
5. Use a Dehumidifier
Modern air conditioning systems are excellent at getting rid of the extra humidity from your home. However, if you frequently have problems with high humidity levels in your home, the AC can occasionally require a little help. A dehumidifier can remove the excess humidity. When the ideal humidity levels are reached, the dehumidifier will switch itself off automatically. Your home should have a humidity level between 30-50%. Keeping your home’s humidity in check protects the AC unit, helps prevent mold growth, and improves indoor air quality.
Call the Professionals
At Polar Express Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, we strive to ensure our customers have efficient AC systems. Founded in 2014, we serve the residents of Lake Elsinore and the surrounding areas. Our services include air purification, duct cleaning, air filtration, and humidification. We are your go-to company for all other HVAC services, including repairs and installations. If you need assistance, contact Polar Express Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning today.
