Filter maintenance is the quickest, easiest way to ensure your air conditioner works at its maximum efficiency. Whether you’re using a window, central or portable air conditioner, a clogged filtration system can be just as detrimental to your unit as it is to your air quality. It’s important to check and change your filters on a regular basis, but it’s especially important to change them before the spring and summer seasons.
Once a filter becomes too full to function, the dust and other airborne particulates your unit pulls in begin to cling to interior components and obstruct vent openings. All of the extra strain will eventually cause your compressor to work harder and less efficiently.
Find a temperature that you’re comfortable with and stick to it. The lower the temperature setting, the harder your unit will have to work. Installing a programmable thermostat will go a long way in making sure that your home is always comfortable. Remember, if your home is sweltering, don’t set the thermostat to the lowest setting in order to cool things down as quickly as possible. All this does is put unnecessary stress on your unit. Simply put the air conditioner on its normal temperature.
The same advice goes for portable and window units, especially if it’s your sole cooling source. Don’t wait until it is 100 degrees outside to set the unit to 65 degrees. Find a mild temperature that works for you and set the unit to that temperature before the heat of the day. That way, your unit will have the area already cool when the heat sets in and won’t have to work as hard to keep it cool.
Shrubs, debris and plants can lead to unnecessary buildup around the outdoor condenser unit during the summer, which can hamper the flow of air. Make sure that you keep the area around the condenser unit clean and clear in order to help it operate at peak efficiency. Window units should also be cleared of any obstructions to ensure an uninterrupted flow of air. Remove any screens on your window when using a window air conditioner, as well. You can also contact us, and we can inspect the air conditioner for you.
