If your air conditioner isn’t clean and it’s still running smoothly, it has to use extra energy. This strain causes your electricity bill to creep higher. Therefore, taking time to do some basic maintenance can make a big difference in how much you pay to keep cool.
Simple Steps You Can Take Right Now
One of the easiest and most critical things that you can do to boost the efficiency of your AC is to change the air filter regularly. The filter’s job is to catch dust, dirt, and pet hair before they get inside the system. Without regular filter changes, all that debris builds up over time and causes significant issues. The AC must work harder to pull air through a clogged filter, and if left under strain long enough, the system can overheat and eventually burn out. The fan must work harder to ensure that your system can reach your target temperature.
Clean filters enable air to flow freely. Experts recommend that you change your filter at least every 90 days. If you have a large household with many people and pets, perform filter changes once a month.
Keep Things Clear Outside
Another area that sometimes gets forgotten about is the outside unit. This is called the condenser. This component is responsible for ensuring that the AC can release heat from inside your home. If this unit is surrounded by weeds, grass, or leaves, the AC can’t get rid of the heat easily. The compressor has to run for a longer time to cool your house to the right temperature. You should trim back any plants, bushes, or tall grass so that there’s at least two feet of clear space around the entire condenser unit. Furthermore, carefully spray down the outside fins with a garden hose to remove loose dirt. Although you shouldn’t try to repair the unit yourself, keeping the area around it clean and clear helps it breathe. That simple step can save significant energy.
Make Sure the Drain Is Open
When the AC runs, it pulls humidity out of the air. That moisture is collected and sent outside through a small pipe called the condensate drain line. This drain line can sometimes get stopped up with algae or dirt, which can lead to moisture backing up and potentially damaging the system or causing issues inside your home. Even though the actual cooling of the air isn’t affected immediately, a blocked drain pipe can cause the AC unit to shut down entirely or lead to expensive repairs later. Sometimes, pouring a small amount of vinegar down the drain can help keep it clear.
While you can handle simple things, such as filters and clearing debris, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional tune-up once a year. A trained technician can perform a thorough inspection, like checking the refrigerant levels, the electrical components, and the motor. Professionals will make sure all parts are working correctly, and they can catch problems lurking beneath the surface before they turn into costly repairs.
To schedule AC maintenance service in Colorado Springs, CO, reach out to Peak Home Performance.
