Ross and Witmer Our hot summers in North Carolina mean that your A/C is working hard to keep your home cool and comfortable; consider taking action to help it run more efficiently. Easing the burden on your hardworking air conditioner can prevent breakdowns and save money on the power bill. Here are a few tips on how to do so.
- Change the filter – A dirty filter can make for poor airflow through your system. When the air is impeded, your A/C has to work harder and hotter, stressing the system and wasting energy. It is good practice to inspect the filter once a month, changing it when it looks dirty. Doing so will also ensure cleaner, healthier air.
- Improve air flow – Dirty coils can impede the heat exchange process in your cooling system as well. You can gently spray the condensing coil in the outside cabinet. Also, clear away any leaves, dirt and other debris that has collected around the outside unit. This helps airflow get to the condenser coils so your system can release more heat outside, which improves the cooling process inside. Make sure your technician cleans the evaporator coil on your next A/C tuneup.
- Check your duct connections – Examine the air ducts in your house to make sure they’re all connected snugly. Sometimes ducts become separated or develop other leaks and can’t deliver all of the conditioned air to your rooms. As a result, your hardworking air conditioner has a harder time meeting your temperature demands.
- Block direct sunlight– Close blinds and curtains that get direct sunlight during the cooling season (and open them in the winter). Sunlight heats up the air in your home, making your A/C work harder.
- Seal uncommon air leaks – You probably already know to seal any cracks or holes around doors and windows, but there are less obvious places where air can leak. Check around vents that open from basements or crawl spaces into air-conditioned spaces. Also check exhaust vents like the ones around your oven and refrigerator.
For more expert tips on how to protect your hardworking air conditioner, contact the team at Ross & Witmer. We’ve been serving Charlotte and the surrounding areas for more than 60 years, and are dedicated to finding solutions for all your heating and cooling needs.