Air conditioning is the biggest expense for many homeowners during the summer months. The fact that air conditioning can be so costly means you should always take some steps to ensure your AC continues working efficiently and to try and limit the amount of work it has to do.
Replace AC Air Filter
One of the worst mistakes you can make in terms of AC performance and energy efficiency is not replacing the air filter when it starts to get dirty and clogged. The US Department of Energy estimates that a dirty filter can cause the efficiency of an AC system to drop by around 15% on average, or possibly even more if the filter is extremely clogged. The reason a dirty filter can have such a big impact on efficiency is that it restricts and reduces the incoming airflow.
When less warm air continually flows over the evaporator coil, the system doesn’t capture and remove heat from the house as quickly as it normally would. The fact that the system isn’t cooling as quickly also means its components experience more wear and tear overall, which can lead to a breakdown. Not replacing the filter as often as you should will also often lead to your AC system having a shortened lifespan.
You can easily tell if it’s time to replace the air filter just by checking to see how dirty it looks and what color it is. You should always put in a replacement if the filter is covered with a large amount of debris or starting to turn dark. It typically takes about two to three months for an air filter to get so dirty that it starts impacting AC performance, but sometimes this can happen in as little as four to six weeks. That’s why experts recommend inspecting the filter monthly just to make sure you can avoid it from causing a drop in efficiency.
Make Sure Outdoor Unit Is Clean and Has Sufficient Clearance
For an AC system to work effectively, the fan in the outdoor unit has to continually draw in air so that it blows over the condenser coil. This airflow is what enables heat to flow out of the refrigerant, and it fully cools back down before getting pumped back indoors. This then creates a self-perpetuating cycle where the refrigerant stays too warm and captures much less heat from the house as it moves through the evaporator coil. That means the AC system has to stay on longer due to it not cooling as quickly, resulting in an increase in the amount of energy it uses.
Luckily, this sort of issue is something you can easily prevent by regularly checking to make sure that nothing is clogging the sides of the unit or otherwise restricting the airflow. That means also keeping any nearby trees, shrubs, and other vegetation trimmed back so nothing is growing within two to three feet of the unit.
Cover Windows During the Day
Having the sunlight shining in through your windows during the day always results in your house heating up much more quickly. This added heat gain then increases the amount of work your AC system has to do and how frequently it has to run. Making sure to cover your windows in the morning and leave them covered until the early evening can make a fairly substantial difference in your electricity bills by reducing the workload on your AC. North- and east-facing windows don’t receive direct sunlight during the hot parts of the day. That means you’re fine to keep them uncovered, but you want to cover windows that face west and south.
Schedule a Spring Tune-Up
The most effective way to boost AC efficiency is with a spring tune-up. This service involves inspecting the system for any issues that could negatively impact its performance. It also involves tasks like cleaning the blower and both of the coils, which are important for ensuring effective performance. Cleaning the condenser coil makes an especially big difference in performance and efficiency, as a dirty coil can easily lead to a 30% spike in energy usage.
Look to AAA Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning for reliable cooling and heating services in Huntingdon Valley. We’ve been serving the community for over 30 years and will always go the extra mile to keep our customers satisfied and ensure their indoor comfort needs are efficiently met. Our team can service and repair all brands of AC equipment and can help you make certain your cooling system works effectively throughout the summer. To schedule an appointment to get your AC serviced and inspected, contact us today.
