You just had a new air conditioner installed and you’re looking forward to a cool, temperature-controlled summer. Even though your unit is brand new and it’s probably the last thing on your mind, now is the time to start thinking about upkeep. Air conditioners are fairly low maintenance, but there are three important things you can do to get the most out of your air conditioner and save on energy costs this summer and in summers to come.
1. Keep the temperature steady
Conventional wisdom tells you to turn your air conditioner off and open the windows when temperatures are cool enough to tolerate, in order to save money on energy costs. In reality, turning your A/C off and letting the house heat up means that it has to work that much harder (and use that much more energy) to cool the house back down when temperatures rise again. An erratic up/down, on/off temperature cycle puts undue stress on your A/C unit. You’re better off installing a programmable thermostat that will automatically regulate the temperature throughout the day based on your schedule. Programmable thermostats can save you up to 15% on your energy bill.
2. Let it flow
For your air conditioner to perform at its best, the air needs to be able to flow freely. Make sure that none of your vents are blocked by any large, solid furniture such as a bed, a couch, or a dresser. Hose down the outdoor unit with a high-pressure hose to clear out any debris that might be clogging it. Change out your filters once every couple of months. Dirty filters obstruct airflow, making your A/C work harder and decreasing its efficiency.
3. Schedule regular maintenance
Having a professional inspect your air conditioning system twice a year can help your system maintain up to 95% of its original efficiency. An A/C that doesn’t receive regular inspections and maintenance will decrease in efficiency by about 5% each year. Any costs you spend on inspections or maintenance work will be made up in the money you’ll save from lower electricity bills. Money invested in maintenance is money that pays itself back.
The good news is that with regular inspections and maintenance, your A/C should last you about 15 years! Contact Bonfe today to schedule a summer A/C inspection.