10 Ways to Keep Your AC Healthy in Summer
The summer is the most important time to have a fully functional Air Conditioning unit. This is also the time of the year when your AC is more likely to have problems since it will be strained from all the usage. To keep your AC happy and healthy all summer long, and avoid unnecessary AC repairs, here are some tips from the experts.
Close Your Windows When the AC is On
Getting a taste of that sweet summer air may seem like a good idea, but make sure that your AC is turned off if you do this. AC units work by sensing your air temperature, and open windows will increase your air temperature, causing your unit to work harder than it should. Additionally, you should avoid opening and closing your outside doors too much. The change in indoor air temperature caused by letting the warm air in too often will also jumpstart your AC to provide additional cooling when it is not needed.
Turn Off AC When Not in Use
It’s nice to come home to an extra chilled house, but this prolonged and unnecessary use can wear out your unit. When you leave the house, turn your thermostat up so it’s a bit warmer than the temperature you are used to. This way, you won’t have an insanely hot home, but your AC unit will not be overworked.
Use Ceiling Fans
Keeping the temperature of your home cooler helps your AC unit relax. With the help of your ceiling fans, you can turn your thermostat up just a few degrees warmer than usual while maintaining a perfectly chilled home. This prevents excess strain on your unit while keeping your air circulating nicely. It is ideal to have your ceiling fans spin clockwise since this will direct the airflow downward. This stops hot air from rising, which would alert your AC unit to kick in.
Tint Your Windows
The excess light from outside heats your home and causes your AC to work harder. Tinting your windows or getting some blackout curtains can help in keeping your home cool and help to avoid extra AC repairs as the summer goes on. With this method, you can turn up your thermostat a few degrees and not notice a change in temperature in your home. This protects your AC unit while still keeping your home at a temperature you are comfortable with.
Clean and Replace Filters
This is the most effective way to keep your AC unit safe, and it is also insanely simple. Learn what kind of filters your unit uses and how often the manufacturer recommends cleaning or replacing them. To clean your reusable filters, simply vacuum and rinse out the debris that has been caught in them. Reusable filters do need to be replaced every few years, so keep this in mind as well. If your device only uses disposable filters, it is helpful to write the date of the installation on the filter so you can easily see when it’s time to replace it. It may also help you to add a reminder on your phone’s calendar when the filter needs cleaning or replacing.
Clean the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit is very vulnerable to dirt and debris. Any sort of plant or dirt debris can prevent proper airflow in your air conditioning, leading to a less effective device and a call to get your AC repaired. Regularly check to make sure that the outdoor AC unit is free from debris. Also, make sure the area surrounding the unit is clear from anything that could interfere with the device in the future. Avoid gardening too close to your outdoor AC unit.
Clean Your Vents
The vents inside your home are prone to getting dusty and full of unwanted debris. Not only can this prevent your air from circulating properly, but it can begin to circulate all that dirt throughout your home. It is recommended that you clean the vents in your home every 3 months to prevent too much excess buildup on your units. Also, make sure all the vents are clear from furniture or other items that could prevent the air from circulating well throughout your home. This can be especially tricky if the vents are aligned with the floor. But designing your room around your vents will lead to cooler and better airflow.
Seal Air Leaks and Close Rooms Tightly
If cold air is escaping from your home, the AC will have to work harder to keep the desired temperature in your home. If you notice an opening where air can escape, apply caulk to the area to keep your home insulated. Also, make sure the seals on all your outside doors are strong and not too worn down. It is also helpful to keep the doors inside the house shut as well, as the AC will require less work to keep each individual room cool.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Getting a thermostat that is easy to adjust to your needs can help you both save on your electricity bill and keep your AC unit healthy. A smart thermostat can change the temperature based on the time of day, so it will automatically warm up when you are not home. This is a great investment for someone who may be forgetful but is interested in keeping their AC working smoothly all summer long.
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Schedule Your Annual Maintenance
There is a lot of maintenance you can do yourself to keep your AC working well, but there are some things that require an expert in air conditioning repair. Having your AC unit serviced annually really helps to prolong the lifespan of your AC unit.
10 Ways to Keep Your AC Healthy in Summer