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Heating and Air Conditioning

HOW TO INCREASE THE LIFE AND EFFICIENCY OF YOUR AC

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If your energy bills just shot to the moon last summer, this article can surely help you to improve the efficiency and life of your air conditioner.

The HVAC system is the biggest energy user in the house and is a necessity. You and I, like most homeowners, are in constant search of ways to increase the efficiency and lifespan of AC and reduce our costs. Although it seems like a dream, do not despair as we bring you some tips that will surely improve the lifespan of your AC.

SOME TIPS TO EXTEND THE LIFESPAN OF YOUR AC:

Regardless of the model and size of your air conditioner, you want that it last for years. The life expectancy of an air conditioner does depend on the model, but it has more to do with the maintenance that it receives. Mentioned below are some tips that will aid in extending the lifespan of your air conditioner.

TIP # 01: CLEAN YOUR AIR CONDITION UNIT ON DAILY BASIS

The air conditioning unit requires regular cleaning, even though you protect it from debris. The outdoor unit will get dirty because of the reason that it is outdoor!

Cleaning of dust, dirt, and leaves will reduce the chances of a mechanical breakdown, and the AC unit will keep working optimally.

TIP # 02: GIVE YOUR AIR CONDITIONER A REST

Air conditioners tend to wear out when they are continually running. It is essential to turn off your air conditioner if you plan to leave your home for any length of time. If you want, you can leave the thermostat at a minimum of 5 degrees to let the unit stay on but not cool the air.

Then you can turn the thermostat up at night. This tip will prolong the life of your air conditioner, as it will not be running all day without a break.

TIP # 03: CHANGE THE FILTER REGULARLY

A dirty air filter means that your air conditioner has to work harder to circulate air throughout your home. Imagine you are stuck where there is too much dirt that you cannot breathe. Similarly, the air condition can barely breathe when there is too much dirt on its filter.

The filters should be checked daily and replace them if necessary.

TIP # 04: KEEP CHECKING UP ON YOUR CONDENSER

Your air conditioner condenser is situated outside your home, without which the air conditioner cannot work. No denials, it is designed in an upbeat way that it can stand unchecked for a long time. However, it can be damaged from constant rains or windblown debris.

You must keep checking over your condenser from time to time. Make sure that you clear the accumulation of weeds or leaves, around the condenser

If there are some leaves or any vegetation near the unit, cut it down.

TIP # 05: UPGRADE THE INSULATION

The less often the air conditioner runs, the longer it will last. In the struggle to keep the air inside your home well trapped and cool, insulation is the best aid. The attic is one of the significant places to check for insulation.

If there is insufficient insulation throughout your home, you can try insulating the basement and add insulation into wall cavities. You can schedule a professional energy audit.

TIP # 06: SHEET METAL FABRICATION

Sometimes your AC might not be functioning properly due to any incident that occurred with the metal parts of the air conditioner. This can lead to the lifespan of AC being very short. The solution to this problem is sheet metal fabrication.

Sheet metal fabrication is a process in which the metal parts are cut, bent, and molded to be perfectly fit into machines like an HVAC. I was unaware of this process until a friend of mine told me that. If you are in need of a metal fabricator and looking for one in Portland Oregon; take help of Google and search for metal fabrication Portland Oregon, you’ll come across plenty of fabricators. Do check their reviews before getting one onboard.

These were some of the ways to extend the lifespan. In the paragraph below, I will share with you the perfect ways of increasing the efficiency of your air conditioner.

WAYS TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF YOUR AC

The heating and cooling bills can increase many of your bills. The utility expenses could go troublesome due to this. Listed below are some ways that will help in increasing the lifespan of your air conditioner.

VACUUM INDOOR VENTS AND KEEP THEM UNBLOCKED

You can vacuum the dust and debris away from the indoor vents to help maintain steady airflow in your system. Things like furniture, toys, and blinds should be kept away from blocking the vents.

KEEP HEAT PRODUCING APPLIANCES AWAY

Try to keep lamps and other appliances that produce heat away from our thermostat. Heat appliances near the thermostat will keep indicating that the home is warm, and it still needs cooling. This will lead to the system running harder than it needs to.

INSULATE THE DUCTS

Always double-check the ductwork that runs through an unconditioned or abandoned place like the attic is sealed correctly. Making sure of this is necessary because this way, you will know that the conditioned air is not being leaked. Always remember to insulate the duct using proper thickness duct insulating material.

KEEP CURTAINS AND BLINDS CLOSED

No matter how cold the air condition gets your home, it will always be cooked up in broad daylight. By the time you get home, it feels like a microwave! This can be easily handled by following a simple habit.

During the heat of the day, direct sunlight hits the windows of your home. If you keep the blinds and curtains closed, the house will be warmer to a lesser extent.

TRY USING CEILING FANS

Ceiling fans help in circulating cool air throughout the house instead of keeping the air conditioner on. Ceiling fans use low energy as compared to air condition. The air inside the home remains fresh, as well.

When you do simple things like this, it will lead to home improvement.

CLEAR THE DRAIN

There is a drain located next to the system’s cooling coil. You can pour a cup of chlorine bleach down the air conditioner drain and rinse it with water. This will ensure that the drain remains clear for a long time.

You can check if the drain lines outside the home are not buried under dirt or mud. Keep the drain as clean as you can.

SHADE THE OUTSIDE CONDENSER

The scorching rays of the sun can have a drastic effect on the condenser unit outside your home. This will make the condenser heat up and make it harder to cool your home. You can try to put a shade over your condenser to reduce the strain and wear and tear on it.

However, remember, provide shade only. Do not obstruct the airflow in any way.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Air conditioners are a necessity in today’s era. For our homes to be comfortable, they must work efficiently. The expenses are also to be kept in check, and that is why we try to make the AC survive for long. Understanding all this, we have tried our best to provide you with essential tips and ways to improve the efficiency of your AC.

Please drop your comments below to let us know what you think!

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