How to keep your AC unit running smoothly all summer long

How to keep your AC unit running smoothly all summer long

It’s summer, and that means high temperatures and humidity—if you’re lucky. If you have an air conditioner, it’s also time to remember that it needs regular maintenance to keep it running safely and effectively all summer long. If you don’t take care of your AC, there’s a good chance it will break down just when you need it most—which would be bad for everyone involved. In this article, we’ll share six tips to help you maintain your air conditioner so that it runs smoothly all summer long!

General Service

It’s important to have your AC unit serviced by a professional at least once a year – more often if it’s older. This will help to ensure that it’s running efficiently and catch any potential problems before they become major repairs. 

In between professional services, there are a few things you can do to keep things running smoothly. First, make sure the area around your unit is clear of debris and dust.

Clean The Filter

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your AC unit is to clean the filter. A clogged or dirty filter will restrict air flow, causing your system to work harder and use more energy. Plus, it can lead to moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. To clean the filter, simply remove it from the unit and rinse it with warm water. You may need to use a brush to remove any stubborn dirt or debris. Once rinsed, allow the filter to dry completely before re-installing it in your AC unit. Replace The Air Filter: If your filter is old and has been used for a long time, it’s time for an upgrade! Dust and dirt accumulate on the filters over time. When this happens, the airflow can be reduced by up to 30%. You should replace an old air filter with a new one every month.

Get A Humidifier

One way to improve the efficiency of your air conditioner is to use a humidifier. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help reduce the amount of energy needed to cool your home. Additionally, a humidifier can help reduce static electricity and dust in the air, making it easier for you to breathe. To get the most benefit from a humidifier, be sure to use it in conjunction with an air conditioner that has a dehumidifier setting. Be mindful of where you place the humidifier; if it's too close to your thermostat, it could hurt the thermostat's ability to detect humidity levels. If you have allergies or asthma, be sure to consult with your doctor before using a humidifier because some people may experience irritation or difficulty breathing when exposed to high levels of humidity.

Adjust The Temp

If you’re constantly adjusting the temperature on your thermostat, your AC unit is working overtime – and using more energy than necessary. Keep the temperature at a consistent setting, and your unit will run more efficiently. You can also adjust it by no more than three degrees when going from day to night time hours or when an unexpected heat wave hits. Close The Blinds: Open blinds let in natural light which can lead to uncomfortable temperatures inside your home during the day. Close them up tight during the day so that they provide shade while letting in natural light at night.

Turn Off Unneeded Electronics

One of the best ways to save money and conserve energy is to unplug electronics when they’re not in use. Many devices, like cell phone chargers and computers, continue to draw power even when they’re turned off. This phantom power can account for up to 10% of your home’s energy usage. So save some cash and conserve energy by unplugging devices that you’re not using. Plus, it will also help with a system's efficiency by removing the drain on its circuitry. If you're not sure which appliances are plugged into a particular outlet, try plugging something else into it - if it doesn't work then you know it's being used!

Add New Insulation to Your Walls

One way to ensure your home stays cool during the summer is by adding new insulation to your walls. This will help keep the heat from seeping into your home, and will also reduce your energy bills. Adding insulation is a relatively easy process, and can be done in a few hours. The first step is to remove the old insulation. You may want to use a box cutter or utility knife for this step, as it's much easier than trying to pull it out with your hands. If you have any existing studs on the wall, cut them out of the way before you start removing insulation. Now that you've removed all of the old insulation, take some fiberglass batts and attach them to studs using nails or screws. Make sure there are no gaps between the batts. Fiberglass batts should not touch each other, so make sure they're spaced appropriately and tightly against each other while they're being nailed down.

Stop Leaks in Your Attic

During the winter, your attic is the perfect place for heat to escape from your home. To prevent this heat loss and save money on your energy bill, it’s important to check for and seal any leaks in your attic. The easiest way to do this is by using a vapor barrier - an inexpensive plastic sheet that prevents moisture from coming into contact with your insulation. Simply cut the sheet to fit around ductwork and other obstacles, then attach it with staples or adhesive tape. Be sure not to cover up any vents or pipes!

Service Your System Twice a Year

Your air conditioner works hard to keep you cool all summer long, and the best way to ensure it runs efficiently is to have it serviced by a professional twice a year. Doing so will help prevent any major issues from popping up and prolong the life of your system. Plus, it’s always a good idea to have someone take a look at things before you turn on your AC for the first time each season. And don't forget about the importance of replacing your filters once a month or so! A dirty filter can cause both short-term damage and long-term wear-and-tear on your unit.

How to keep your AC unit running smoothly all summer long

How to keep your AC unit running smoothly all summer long

It’s summer, and that means high temperatures and humidity—if you’re lucky. If you have an air conditioner, it’s also time to remember that it needs regular maintenance to keep it running safely and effectively all summer long. If you don’t take care of your AC, there’s a good chance it will break down just when you need it most—which would be bad for everyone involved. In this article, we’ll share six tips to help you maintain your air conditioner so that it runs smoothly all summer long!

General Service

It’s important to have your AC unit serviced by a professional at least once a year – more often if it’s older. This will help to ensure that it’s running efficiently and catch any potential problems before they become major repairs. 

In between professional services, there are a few things you can do to keep things running smoothly. First, make sure the area around your unit is clear of debris and dust.

Clean The Filter

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your AC unit is to clean the filter. A clogged or dirty filter will restrict air flow, causing your system to work harder and use more energy. Plus, it can lead to moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. To clean the filter, simply remove it from the unit and rinse it with warm water. You may need to use a brush to remove any stubborn dirt or debris. Once rinsed, allow the filter to dry completely before re-installing it in your AC unit. Replace The Air Filter: If your filter is old and has been used for a long time, it’s time for an upgrade! Dust and dirt accumulate on the filters over time. When this happens, the airflow can be reduced by up to 30%. You should replace an old air filter with a new one every month.

Get A Humidifier

One way to improve the efficiency of your air conditioner is to use a humidifier. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help reduce the amount of energy needed to cool your home. Additionally, a humidifier can help reduce static electricity and dust in the air, making it easier for you to breathe. To get the most benefit from a humidifier, be sure to use it in conjunction with an air conditioner that has a dehumidifier setting. Be mindful of where you place the humidifier; if it's too close to your thermostat, it could hurt the thermostat's ability to detect humidity levels. If you have allergies or asthma, be sure to consult with your doctor before using a humidifier because some people may experience irritation or difficulty breathing when exposed to high levels of humidity.

Adjust The Temp

If you’re constantly adjusting the temperature on your thermostat, your AC unit is working overtime – and using more energy than necessary. Keep the temperature at a consistent setting, and your unit will run more efficiently. You can also adjust it by no more than three degrees when going from day to night time hours or when an unexpected heat wave hits. Close The Blinds: Open blinds let in natural light which can lead to uncomfortable temperatures inside your home during the day. Close them up tight during the day so that they provide shade while letting in natural light at night.

Turn Off Unneeded Electronics

One of the best ways to save money and conserve energy is to unplug electronics when they’re not in use. Many devices, like cell phone chargers and computers, continue to draw power even when they’re turned off. This phantom power can account for up to 10% of your home’s energy usage. So save some cash and conserve energy by unplugging devices that you’re not using. Plus, it will also help with a system's efficiency by removing the drain on its circuitry. If you're not sure which appliances are plugged into a particular outlet, try plugging something else into it - if it doesn't work then you know it's being used!

Add New Insulation to Your Walls

One way to ensure your home stays cool during the summer is by adding new insulation to your walls. This will help keep the heat from seeping into your home, and will also reduce your energy bills. Adding insulation is a relatively easy process, and can be done in a few hours. The first step is to remove the old insulation. You may want to use a box cutter or utility knife for this step, as it's much easier than trying to pull it out with your hands. If you have any existing studs on the wall, cut them out of the way before you start removing insulation. Now that you've removed all of the old insulation, take some fiberglass batts and attach them to studs using nails or screws. Make sure there are no gaps between the batts. Fiberglass batts should not touch each other, so make sure they're spaced appropriately and tightly against each other while they're being nailed down.

Stop Leaks in Your Attic

During the winter, your attic is the perfect place for heat to escape from your home. To prevent this heat loss and save money on your energy bill, it’s important to check for and seal any leaks in your attic. The easiest way to do this is by using a vapor barrier - an inexpensive plastic sheet that prevents moisture from coming into contact with your insulation. Simply cut the sheet to fit around ductwork and other obstacles, then attach it with staples or adhesive tape. Be sure not to cover up any vents or pipes!

Service Your System Twice a Year

Your air conditioner works hard to keep you cool all summer long, and the best way to ensure it runs efficiently is to have it serviced by a professional twice a year. Doing so will help prevent any major issues from popping up and prolong the life of your system. Plus, it’s always a good idea to have someone take a look at things before you turn on your AC for the first time each season. And don't forget about the importance of replacing your filters once a month or so! A dirty filter can cause both short-term damage and long-term wear-and-tear on your unit.