North Texas is not the place for an inefficient air conditioning system, so if you've noticed a slowdown in your AC performance, it's time to address the issue. Taking the time to do so will save you a lot of discomfort on extremely hot days but can also help you save money every month. Here are some of the best ways to improve air conditioner efficiency:
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Cleaning Your Supply Vents
If your airflow seems weak, ensure that your supply vents are clean and free from dust, hair, and other debris. Checking for blockages will help cold air reach its destination while improving indoor air quality.
Replacing The Air Filter
For such a small component in the HVAC system, air filters serve an important purpose. Damaged or dirty filters can impede air flow, reduce your air quality, and cause deeper issues in the HVAC system. Regularly replacing the filter will ensure dust, hair, and other particles are being properly filtered.
Think about it- the process starts at your air filter, so a dirty filter could cause AC inefficiencies before the air hits the HVAC system. Note- To further improve the indoor air quality in your home, check the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of your AC filter. The MERV system indicates the filter's ability to catch contaminants, so a higher rating will perform better against allergens, dust, and other particles.
Clean The Outdoor Unit
When an air conditioning unit is cluttered with mud, dirt, leaves, and other debris, it will make the HVAC system work harder, causing lost efficiency. Remove the protective casing from your outdoor HVAC unit and rinse the coils to improve efficiency. As long as you're careful to avoid damaging the coils, an occasional rinse can give the AC unit a nice cool-off and keep it clean.
Block Direct Sunlight
If your central air conditioning system is struggling, consider closing some curtains. Removing direct sunlight from your home can reduce the cooling load of your system, keeping everything a few degrees cooler. Blackout curtains make the most difference, but anything that blocks heat will help.
Avoid Heat Producing Appliances
In the middle of Summer, the oven is not your friend. To minimize strain on your AC system, steer clear of appliances that off-put warm air, especially during the day. Ovens are the biggest culprit in most cases, but toasters, stovetops, and other appliances may raise the temperature in your home.
Change The Ceiling Fan Direction
It's so simple that everyone forgets, but switching the direction of your ceiling fan could make a big difference. This will let your fans do some of the work for the AC system, circulating air throughout the room.
Schedule Air Conditioner Maintenance
Homeowners are encouraged to perform preventative maintenance on their air conditioning system, but some things are better left to the professionals. Your local HVAC technician can perform an in-depth cleaning, check your Freon levels, test for leaks, service interior components (like the indoor cooling coil), and notify you of any failing parts that may become an issue soon. Regular maintenance ensures no significant problems with your air conditioning system and keeps the cool air flowing.
Welcome To A Better Air Conditioning System
There are multiple things you can do to improve your air conditioner efficiency, starting with some simple cleaning. If your efforts don't increase air conditioning efficiency enough, it may be time to schedule service with the HVAC experts for some in-depth maintenance. Their experience and proficiency can help you reach peak efficiency, reduce cooling costs, and extend the life of your HVAC unit.
Contact Air Central HVAC today for your AC system maintenance.
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