It’s not enough to have functioning AC during the summer; the system should also run efficiently, or else you’re going to pay an excessive amount on your utility bills. At the same time, an inefficient air conditioning system is one that will require more frequent repairs without delivering your desired comfort.
Below are three tips for counteracting all of this.
Replace the Air Filter
Every homeowner should be adept at this. The filter’s main purpose is to keep dust and other debris from entering the air handler. Once the filter has done its job, though, the trapped pollutants will become an obstacle to airflow, straining the system and causing problems such as frozen evaporator coils. This leads to lukewarm cooling.
For better protection, make sure to change your air filter out every 30 to 90 days (depending on how heavily you rely on your HVAC system). Use pleated air filters (MERV rating 6+), not the cheaper fiberglass type. Pleated air filters can trap not only dust and dirt but also:
- Pet dander
- Dust mite feces
- Mold spores
- And more!
Clean the Condenser
The condenser (the air conditioner’s external unit) needs to stay clean or it won’t disperse the heat that was absorbed by the air handler. This results in lukewarm air circulating through your home. You can start cleaning it by removing any large debris caught inside, such as fallen leaves. Then, apply a cleaning solution to the coils and gently hose them down with water. Use a fin comb to straighten out bent coil fins.
Request Routine Maintenance
Ultimately, you can’t improve your air conditioner’s efficiency all on your own. That’s why our third tip is to have professional maintenance performed annually. The following steps are covered in every tune-up and can lead to a longer system lifespan and energy savings:
- Evaporator coil and condenser coil cleaning
- Condensate drain line cleaning
- Thermostat calibration
- Electrical checks and rewiring
Call Monarch Home Services today at (661) 452-8707 and ask about our maintenance plan that keeps you comfortable during summer with less hassle for you!