The air conditioner in your Dayton home is a complex system that helps to keep you comfortable by removing heat and humidity from the air. Knowing the following points about air conditioning can help you keep it running smoothly.
Keep Up With Regular Maintenance
In order to run efficiently and safely and avoid costly repairs, routine maintenance must be performed each year. There are some tasks you may be able to perform yourself, such as changing the air filter or cleaning the condenser coils, but most should be handled by a certified HVAC professional. Have your HVAC contractor inspect your system and perform routine maintenance at least once a year.
Check the Air Filter Often
During the cooling season, check the air filter monthly. If it looks excessively dirty or if it’s clogged, clean or replace it immediately. The air filter removes particles like dust, pollen and mold spores from the air, which could accumulate in the system and cause problems, as well as reduce your indoor air quality.
Reduce the Cooling Load
Making it easier to cool your home can help the air conditioner cool more efficiently, saving energy and money. Seal air leaks around windows, doors and openings in the exterior walls. Add insulation to your home and avoid using heat-generating appliances during the daytime.
Repair Leaking Air Ducts
Leaking air ducts can reduce your system’s efficiency by 20 to 40 percent. Have any joints or holes in the ductwork sealed with a combination of mastic and metal tape, and make sure ducts running through unconditioned areas are well insulated.
Upgrade Older, Inefficient Systems
If your air conditioning system is more than a few years old, it’s likely to be inefficient compared to newer models. Consider upgrading to a new Energy Star-certified model for maximum savings.
To learn more about air conditioning, talk to the cooling experts at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. We proudly serve Dayton and the surrounding areas.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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