How To Get The Most Life Out Of Your A/C
Get THE MOST Out Of Your AC!
07/22/2020
During those hot summer days, we’re grateful for our air conditioning system for keeping our home cool and comfortable. But the spike in our monthly utility bill? Not so much. Ultimately many variables go into keeping cool air circulating in your home while saving money and energy. These tips may also help with wall ac units. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the best ways to improve the efficiency of your air conditioner. Get the most life out of your AC with these 5 simple solutions.
1. Close Your Drapes
Simple yet resolute, keeping your drapes or blinds closed during warmer weather is a great remedy to saving money and energy. This is especially true during hot summer days when direct sunlight hits the windows of your home.
Unwanted sunlight that enters through your windows cannot escape, in turn, causing your air conditioner to work harder to produce more cool air. When drawing your blinds, especially during midday, this can lower the temperature’s home up to 20 degrees. To take it a step further, consider buying light-colored blinds that reflect rather than absorb the sun’s heat. This will help get the most life out of your ac so it doesn’t work as hard.
2. Inspect Your Duct Work
To improve the energy efficiency in your home with your air conditioner, make sure the duct work that runs through an unconditioned space is properly sealed and intact. This ensures your conditioned air will get to where it needs to go efficiently.
Ducts are passages used in air conditioning that helps with the dispersion and removal of air. If you spot a leak, you can use specialized duct-sealing tape that is UL 181-rated. (Not duct tape, believe it or not that is not designed for duct work). However, we recommend seeking an HVAC professional to check your duct work and use an appropriate duct insulating material.
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3. Get Smart With Your Thermostat
The right thermostat and setting will surely make a difference when it comes to improving your home’s energy and reducing costs. The “smart” technology can control the system automatically and adjust temperature settings during setback/away periods to allow for optimum recovery efficiency. Since you can access it via Smartphone, computer, or tablet, you’re able to adjust the temperature inside your home while you are away.
Smart thermostats will also learn a household’s patterns and adjust cooling according to when a home is occupied or is about to be occupied. In the end, this device will help you reduce energy costs, track your energy usage, and control your comfort. This can be super helpful for both comfort and effective running of the system. Call Air-Rite Heating & Cooling for a Smart Thermostat installation today, and take advantage of our smart energy rebates from your utility providers.
4. Take Good Care Of Your Equipment
Like almost everything, if you take care of it, it will perform well and last. Routine maintenance, troubleshooting problems, and using a HVAC contractor to maintain your equipment can help prolong the life of your unit. Make sure your air conditioning unit is free from shrubbery or foliage, such as “cotton” from Cottonwood trees so it gets the proper amount of airflow. Change your air filter routinely, and sign up for our filter reminder club to keep track of when you need to change your filter.
The air conditioner outside has the important job of rejecting the heat it removed from your home. Which means it needs to have lots of room around it for the air to go. Even if you had spring maintenance performed by our techs, It’s a good idea to check in on it throughout the season to ensure there is adequate space around the unit. Trim back any overgrown shrubs and gently hose down any debris that may have built up on the outside coils of the unit.
5. Change Direction Of Ceiling Fan
Often an overlooked remedy, changing the direction of your ceiling fan can improve your air circulation. During the summer, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise. This pushes cool air down to the floor and makes your home feel cooler without affecting the room temperature (meaning you can use less energy and get the most out of your ac).
How To Check If My Ceiling Fan Is Going Clockwise
To check to see if your ceiling fan is moving the right direction, turn on the fan, and stand directly under the fan blade. Your ceiling fan blades should move from the top left, then down to the right, and back to the top. If you’re standing underneath the ceiling and don’t feel air movement this means the fan is spinning clockwise.
To turn it counterclockwise, shut off the ceiling fan, and wait until the blades completely stop. Then, use a ladder or step stool to reach the fan and locate the direction switch. Turn the switch in the opposite direction and turn on your ceiling fan once more to ensure it’s moving in the right direction. Ceiling fans are good for cooling people, not rooms. To save energy, turn it off when leaving the room.
How Long Is The Life Of An Air Conditioner?
During those hot summer days, we’re grateful for our air conditioning system for keeping our home cool and comfortable. But the spike in our monthly utility bill? Not so much. Ultimately many variables go into keeping cool air circulating in your home while saving money and energy. Ever wondered how long the life of ac unit is? Most central Air conditioner units last about 10-15 years, depending how well it’s been kept. And the average cost to replace an air conditioning unit can range from $3,000 to $5,000. These tips may also help with wall ac units. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best ways to improve the efficiency of your air conditioner. Get the most life out of your AC with these 5 simple solutions.
Conclusion
Getting the most life out of your ac can be easy when these tips are put into place. Simple things like checking your duct work and using fans can help extend the life of your air conditioning because it’s working less to provide that cool air.
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Most Frequently Asked Air Conditioner Questions
How long does an air conditioner last?
Depending on how well the air conditioner has been maintained, anywhere from 10-15 years. The more you maintain it, the longer it will last. Some things that can give your air conditioner a short lifespan is not changing filters.