Air conditioning units have become a necessity to withstand the high temperatures of the summer months. Without them, even people’s daily moods can be affected. However, despite the importance of having a functioning air conditioning system, most consumers take it for granted, hoping it will keep doing its job for years without doing anything to it except for the occasional filter change. Then, they might be surprised when issues arise, and there is no way to fix them quickly except by calling for AC repair in Houston. Before getting to that point, it may be vital to learn about your air conditioning equipment to understand how it works.
Maintenance Is Key
It is almost hard to believe that homeowners spend so much on the latest air conditioning equipment and then completely put it out of their minds. They become oblivious to it, expecting optimal performance at all times. However, the key to having an air conditioner that lasts a long time is just the opposite. Be mindful of your AC and schedule routine maintenance service from an experienced technician. Although twice-yearly service is recommended, make sure to call a technician at least once a year to keep things running smoothly.
Clean Your Unit
Even when you get routine maintenance, some things will be up to you. Change the filter frequently, and also inspect your unit for any dirt or debris. Clean the area every month, check the outside unit to see if it is covered with leaves and other objects that should not be there, and remove them. Check the coils for any dust. Remember that a clean filter will also mean cleaner air is coming into your home. This is particularly helpful if there are people with respiratory illnesses in the house.
Set The Right Temperature
No matter how cold you would like your home to be, it is important to understand that even the best system cannot provide you with air temperatures that are more than 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature. This is simply because the unit functions by taking the air from outside and cooling it with a refrigerant to then be released into the home. Expecting the unit to provide you with lower temperatures means your AC will be overloaded and working with too much pressure, neither of which is conducive to a long life for your system.
Time Your Usage
Programming your air conditioner to move to a higher temperature when nobody is home can be a money-saving idea. If your thermostat is not programmable, manually raise the temperature a couple of degrees before you head out the door. Also, get used to having the thermostat set at 72 degrees or higher for even more savings. However, if you will be away from home for some days, do not turn off the system. If you do, the compressor will have to work harder to cool your house upon your return.
Check For Air Leaks
If you have not had a technician review your AC system for a while, it may be a good idea to have them visit you and check the ductwork for leaks. Leaks are responsible for you losing up to 30% of airflow. You may also be under the impression that you should close any vents or rooms that are not being used in an attempt to save money and direct more air toward the areas where the family congregates. Although this would seem to make sense, in reality, you are only throwing your system off balance. When the air conditioner is on, you should open all vents and doors to allow air to circulate as it was meant to do. If you want to save some money on your utility bills, keep an eye out for any change in weather. When the summer heat finally breaks, you may be able to cool your home by opening windows and letting the cross circulation of air cool the house. You can give your AC unit a break and let Mother Nature do the cooling.
