In the hottest days of summer, an inefficient HVAC system can run for much of the day. Older units tend to be less efficient than newer ones, but there are ways to improve the performance of air conditioning (AC) systems.
Home owners diligently mow the lawn every weekend, but how often do they inspect the landscaping around the outdoor AC unit? This unit is typically tucked out of sight, so it’s easy to neglect. One should make it a point to maintain the area around it with a pair of trimming shears and a trimmer or weed whacker.
Clearing obstruction around condensing units
The outdoor condensing unit needs a certain amount of breathing room, so to speak
The outdoor condensing unit needs a certain amount of breathing room, so to speak. Weeds, shrubs, and yard debris around the appliance obstruct airflow, forcing the condenser coil to work harder. All that extra effort will be reflected in the energy bill.
Additionally, vegetation can attract insects and rodents. These pests may make a nest near the unit, creeping into the home or gnawing on wires and causing damage to the system. To prevent these issues, maintain at least three feet of clearance between the condensing unit and any surrounding vegetation.
Changing old filters
Changing the filter in the HVAC system is a must. Old filters that are long overdue for replacement need to be changed. Dirty filters restrict airflow, which in turn causes the system to demand more electricity. Besides the spike in energy costs, a dirty filter can also result in a frozen evaporator coil.
As a good rule of thumb, home owners should replace the filter at least every 90 days (sometimes sooner, depending on the filter size). During the high heat of summer, when the AC will be working overtime, it is recommended for home owners to replace the filter every 30 days. The team at Bob's Heating & Air Conditioning offers a range of different filters and air filter replacement programs to fit varying customer needs.
Regular maintenance of the system
For those yet to schedule an HVAC tune-up this spring, it is a good idea to have a professional service the air conditioner, before turning it on each year. A certified technician can check over the major components of the unit, so as to see if anything needs to be repaired or replaced.
Keeping the various parts of the AC running at peak efficiency is the key to keeping the cooling bills in check. During routine maintenance, the technician will also check the coolant levels. If the coolant level is low, the unit has a leak and that needs to be fixed ASAP.
Switching thermostat settings
As long as the unit is running efficiently, the home should cool relatively quickly
There is no need to keep an empty home cool. Home owners can manually turn the thermostat to 78 or 80 degrees, before leaving in the morning and then drop it to 75 degrees, on returning home. As long as the unit is running efficiently, the home should cool relatively quickly.
Home owners could also install a programmable thermostat that will perform this task automatically.
Replacing old with new HVAC systems
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that upgrading to a new HVAC system will cut cooling costs by as much as 50%. The simple fact of the matter is that HVAC systems, which were manufactured 20 years ago, require much more power than today’s high-efficiency systems.
By holding onto a unit well past its prime, home owners are likely to have higher repair bills, along with higher energy bills. Checking with a professional can help decide when it's time to opt for a new unit.
For home owners looking to cut the cooling bill this summer, check with the professionals at Bob's Heating & Air Conditioning. They would be more than happy to look at the HVAC system and make any recommendations that are needed, be it simple maintenance or installing a new system.
