Join Us Online

Air Conditioning Tips

Your York air conditioner, if properly cared for, will last for well beyond 10 years, providing steady cooling and comfortable temperatures throughout your home. In that decade there are many things you can do that will help your air conditioning system maintain peak of efficiency. Here are some strategies to help you do just that.

Air Conditioner Cleaning

While you should have regular, professional maintenance performed by a local York specialist, there are quite a few cleaning tasks you can and should perform on your own. For starters, make sure the area around your air conditioner is kept clear. If you live on a small lot with minimal space outdoors, clear away at least a one foot area around your unit to keep any grass or other plants from growing there. Don’t let garbage or debris accumulate in this area and check it at least once a week to remove any build up.

There are often filters that you can clean as well. Talk to your dealer to learn which filters you should check and clean each month and how to do so safely without damaging your equipment. Additionally, clean your vents and any air outlets for your system whenever possible. While full duct cleaning by a professional should be done once or twice annually by your dealer, you can help by removing any surface debris and dust from the vents.

Optimal Efficiency

Air conditioners built today are as much as 60% more efficient than those built just 10 years ago, so even if your old AC model is working well, you may benefit from an upgrade or replacement. There are also quite a few other things you can do to improve the efficiency of your home cooling system.

To start with, make sure your home is properly insulated. Proper insulation means there are no gaps or openings in your door jams, window frames, or floorboards where cooled air can leak out and heat and humidity can leak in. It’s best to contact a professional contractor to have your insulation fully checked. To supplement your insulation, make sure you have a good ventilation system in place to avoid air quality problems.

Proper maintenance will also help keep your air conditioner running as efficiently as possible. To learn more about what maintenance you need, contact your local contractor.

Thermostat Settings

The temperature you set on your thermostat will directly impact how much you pay on your monthly energy bill. In fact, setting the thermostat just two or three degrees higher can save you a tremendous amount of money over time. Most people set their air conditioner to a default of 72°F, but 75°F can be just as comfortable if you have a dehumidifier in place to keep the humidity level under control.

If you don’t yet have a dehumidifier, talk to your contractor about your options. Even though you may not feel it, high humidity levels can force your air conditioner to work harder and increase the growth of mold, dust mites and bacteria.

Choosing the Right Air Conditioner

There are quite a few factors to consider when buying an air conditioner, so make sure you know what you need in advance. Specifically, how much square footage do you need to cool, will you cool all rooms equally, and do you want to install a supplemental system to reduce your cooling load? By asking these questions you can not only save money but you’ll ensure you get the perfect air conditioner for your home.