Your air conditioner is probably the most valuable equipment you have in your home. It is critical for your home’s comfort, and if neglected, it can have a significant impact on your health and finances. You can get the most out of your AC by keeping it in impeccable condition. Here are ways you can boost your system’s efficiency and maximize its lifespan.
Fix Air Leaks
Air from outside can seep into your home or allow conditioned air to escape from the interior. The source of the leakages could be a disconnection, or there may be cracks in your ductwork. Openings on ceilings and floors for electrical outlets can also create points for leaks. As a result, your AC will overwork as it tries to regulate temperatures.
There are many parts of your home that can be prone to leaks. [Company_name] technicians can evaluate your system and restore the building’s energy efficiency in San Antonio, TX.
Parts of your home prone to air leaks may include:
- Spaces around windows and doors
- Basements and crawlspaces
- Cracks in your Ductwork
- Openings for electrical outlets and pipes
Address Airflow Problems
Obstructions around your condenser unit can restrict the flow of cold air into the house. The area around it should be free of leaves, dirt, and debris that can restrict airflow to your AC. If the condenser is in a room, ensure there is enough clearance around the outdoor unit.
Sometimes the ducts may be too narrow to allow for an airflow rate that matches the building’s cooling needs. When debris accumulates within the duct, it may force your system to overwork. If there is also biological growth within your ductwork, your AC may stop functioning altogether.
You need to change or replace the filters every month to maximize airflow. Filters capture dust and stop debris from getting into the components of your AC. If the filter is clogged, it will restrict airflow, which may overwork and speed up the deterioration of your air conditioner.
Use a Thermostat
You can also take advantage of smart technologies to reduce the workload of your AC. A programmable device will turn down your system when necessary, to minimize energy consumption.
Modern thermostats have extra features that can make temperature regulation efficient and more convenient. With Wi-Fi capabilities, you can check on your system when you are away from the house.
Smart devices can learn your household’s patterns and adjust accordingly. It can turn down the AC when you leave for work in the morning to save on energy consumption. When you return, it will raise the temperature so that your home is snug and comfy.
Device precision allows for accurate reports on your home’s energy usage. When reviewing the report, pay attention to any changes in energy consumption. If there has been a sharp increase, your AC may have an issue, so you should have it inspected by our certified technicians.
Get Repairs Promptly
It is not advisable to ignore signs of a faulty AC, such as whizzing or banging noises. Even if the malfunction appears to be insignificant, it can cause the deterioration of other components in your system. Loose connections can cause electrical faults, which is one of the leading causes of fire in the U.S.
[Company_name] technicians use tools such as refrigerant scale to precisely determine refrigerant levels in San Antonio. An AC is a sophisticated system that requires skill to repair and maintain. The EPA recommends hiring a certified professional to uphold your system’s efficiency and safety.
Manage Your Energy Consumption
The simplest way to extend the life of your air conditioners is to manage your energy consumption. When your AC is always running, the extra work accelerates the wear and tear of your system.
You can minimize consumption by always switching off electronics like laptops, incandescent bulbs, and TVs when you are not using them. They will not only increase your energy consumption, but they considerably raise the temperature of the room.
Heating and cooling costs make up 50 to 70% of your home’s energy use. That’s why when your home is losing air, the utility bills tend to rise considerably. It is, therefore, prudent to ensure that the insulation in areas like the attic is working.
For the best results, you can consult our certified technicians to inspect the insulation in your home. They can propose cost-effective ways of restoring the energy efficiency of your home.
Also, consider getting coverings for your windows. Sunlight may generate unnecessary radiant heat, which only adds the load for your AC. You may also consider using blinds and shades during the day to manage the temperatures in your home.
Schedule Tune-Ups Regularly
You can extend the lifespan of your system by observing regular maintenance. A tune-up will include the professional cleaning of equipment parts and testing components for faults. During maintenance, our technicians will look for early signs of a malfunctioning system.
A tune-up keeps your system in immaculate condition to ensure optimal performance. Your AC will no longer have to overwork to regulate temperatures, and can, therefore, cut down your utility bills.
A well-maintained system requires fewer repairs. Maintenance makes your AC more reliable and improves your home’s comfort. It is one way you can address the indoor air quality concerns in your home. We recommend scheduling a tune-up at least twice a year for the best results.
In the long run, clogged drain lines and leaking parts can introduce biological contamination into the equipment. Not only can your system degenerate to complete failure, but infestations may be costly to address.
During a tune-up, you can have your ductwork inspected, which will determine if you need cleaning. It is not unheard of to find decomposing rodents and bird nests in the ducts. It is also possible to find such obstructions if you have been skipping routine maintenance.
Professional maintenance work may include:
- Cleaning or replace air filters
- Checking refrigerant levels
- Testing airflow across the assembly
- Repairing electrical connections
- Pinpointing faulty components
- Lubricating moving parts
Consult a Professional for Installations
Another way you can maximize the life of your AC is to ensure the installation is up to standards. A professional will assess factors such as the size and orientation of your unique building. They will also review the shading from trees and surface area of walls before they can decide the type of system to install.
Loose or improper electrical connections during installation can compromise the performance of your equipment. A certified technician has the skill to prevent faults that could become a hazard in your home.
During the installation process, it is important to determine the required airflow rate to come up with an efficient design.[Company_name] team of certified professionals in San Antonio has the experience to handle such intricate tasks.
Our certified technicians use tools such as an anemometer to determine the speed of the air flowing through the vents. Installation cannot proceed until the technician can precisely establish the cooling load. Otherwise, the system may either shut down or short-cycle as it tries to regulate temperatures. Precise calculations are necessary to pick the right equipment for optimal performance.
All in all, you can extend the life of your AC by adapting habits such as managing your energy consumption and seeking prompt repairs. You can count on Beyer Air Conditioning & Heating for repairs, maintenance, and installation of ductless and indoor air quality systems in San Antonio. We can also handle new constructions and remodels. For more information, contact us today.
