Maximizing your AC unit’s performance can save you money on energy bills and increase comfort throughout your home. Read on to discover some of the most efficient ways to enhance its cooling power!
One of the first steps you should take to improve your AC’s performance is cleaning its condenser. Over time, dirt, twigs, and other particles can accumulate on the outside of your condenser, preventing it from properly absorbing and dispersing cool air.
1. Clean the Condenser
Your outdoor air conditioning unit’s condenser coils are an integral component of the system. If they become dirty and clogged, your AC will struggle to effectively cool your home.
Maintaining your system’s coils clean and clear of dirt and debris can improve its efficiency, cutting energy consumption and saving you money on electric bills. Regular cleaning of the outdoor condenser also helps prevent equipment breakdowns from occurring.
STEP 1: Visually inspect your AC’s coils for dirt, dust and other foreign particles. Remove these by hand or with a special soil brush (available at most big box hardware stores and AC shops) that has bristles slightly stiffer than a hand broom but not as hard as a wire brush.
Wipe away any dirty coils using a diluted solution of water and detergent or condenser coil cleaner. Then, spray them lightly with a low-pressure garden hose; depending on how much buildup there is, you may need multiple applications of both cleaner and water.
2. Clear the Vents
Filled with dust and debris, vents in your HVAC system may find it harder to draw in cool air. This could result in higher energy bills.
Optimizing your AC unit’s efficiency requires regularly cleaning out its vents. Doing this can keep it running at full capacity and save you money on utility bills.
Before you begin, make sure to turn off all power to your HVAC system and remove any furniture or obstructions from the vents. Doing this will enable air circulation throughout your home more easily and prevent clogging of filters.
For a thorough clean of your vents, you’ll need a vacuum cleaner with long hose and scrub brush. These items will enable you to get an efficient deep-clean that improves indoor air quality while reducing allergens.
3. Set the Thermostat to the Right Temperature
To maximize your AC unit performance and save money on energy costs, it’s essential to know how to set the thermostat correctly. Not only does this maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the day, but it can also reduce energy consumption and lower your monthly utility bill.
Thermostats can be set to a specific temperature or you can opt for programmable thermostats that automatically adjust when needed. With a programmable thermostat, you’ll save energy and lower your utility costs significantly.
Energy Star recommends that one of the best ways to save on cooling costs is by setting your thermostat higher when no one is home and then turning it back down several degrees before leaving for work or school. This can save you up to 10% annually on energy bills.
4. Install a Humidifier
Humidifiers can improve the efficiency of your AC unit by adding moisture to the air. This not only makes you more comfortable, but it also saves on energy costs and protects home furnishings.
Installing a humidifier yourself is possible, however it’s recommended that you hire an HVAC technician for the job. This way, you can be certain the unit is installed correctly and working optimally.
Once you’ve purchased your humidifier, it should be located near either the supply or return air duct.
Next, you will need to install a bypass pipe that connects your humidifier to your ducting system. This will prevent leaks and guarantee that air is moving through the humidifier as expected. Moreover, you must purchase and install a humidistat – an electronic control that allows you to adjust humidity settings – so that all of these elements can work in harmony together.
Call Arizona’s Dukes of Air to maximize your AC units performance before it gets hot in the Phoenix, AZ metro area.
