When summertime temperatures reach their highest in Florida, it’s important to have an air conditioner that you can count on. To reduce the possibility that your air conditioner malfunctions at a time when it’s most needed, it’s highly recommended that you seek regular maintenance for your home. Learn more about some tips for maintaining your air conditioner so you’re
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
One way to make sure your system runs at peak performance is by installing a smart thermostat. This type of thermostat uses WiFi to give you greater control of the temperature in your home. When your house is empty, you can adjust the temperature to give your AC a break. By not wasting energy cooling an empty home, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency and extend the lifespan of your air conditioner.
Consider Sealing Your Ducts
Your air conditioner pushes cool air to every room in your home through a series of ducts. However, some studies show that damaged ductwork leads to as much as 30% of the air leaking out before it reaches your home’s interior. Not only does this cut down on your system’s efficiency, but it also leaves your home feeling hot and uncomfortable, even if your AC is running nonstop.
You can reduce air loss in your duct system by having them cleaned or sealed. From tape to a sealant solution, there are several methods that can be used to block areas where air can escape. Improving the circulation of air in your ducts will increase the efficiency of your air conditioning system.
Maintain the Right Temperature
Consider increasing the temperature on your thermostat when it’s hot outside. Altering your thermostat by a few degrees can significantly reduce your monthly energy bills and place less stress on your air conditioner. During the summer months, it’s a good idea to set your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When you’re away from home, consider placing it above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Schedule Professional Maintenance Regularly
The simplest and most effective way to ensure your air conditioner remains at peak performance is to schedule professional maintenance regularly. A well-maintained air conditioner can last for 10-20 years. During maintenance, potential problems can also be identified. Addressing these issues early on should reduce the potential for a malfunction and the need for major repairs.
The maintenance process usually involves inspecting the evaporator and condenser coils to make sure they’re clean and in good shape. Every component of your HVAC system will be checked, which allows the technicians to determine if there are any issues that might eventually cause additional damage.
Many of the internal parts will be cleaned to remove dust, dirt, and other particles that might hinder your air conditioner’s performance. By obtaining preventive maintenance for your Temple Terrace home, you can improve your air quality, lower your monthly energy bill, and boost system performance.
Replace Air Filters Regularly
If your air conditioner is equipped with a removable filter, it needs to be replaced regularly. The purpose of an air filter is to capture airborne particles, such as dust and pet dander. Once the air is filtered, it will be distributed through the vents around your home. Most filters can last for around 90 days, but if you have pets or other threats to indoor air quality, consider replacing them more often.
If your filter has a high MERV rating, it should capture smaller particles in the air, which means that it could become clogged quickly. Keep in mind that a dirty filter can create airflow problems and put your air conditioning system under more stress.
Evaluate Coils
Among the most important aspects of your air conditioning system are the evaporator and condenser coils. The evaporator coil is located in the air handler, which is usually placed inside the home. Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate on the coil, which can restrict airflow and make the system work harder to heat your home.
Many performance-related air conditioner problems involve the condenser coil, which is located outside your home. If you have a lot of foliage near your home, the condenser coil might eventually become blocked by debris. When this occurs, your system can malfunction altogether, which is why the coils should be cleaned periodically. If you have any plants or shrubbery near the condenser unit, trim them regularly.
Keep Your Home’s Indoor Air Clean
If your indoor air contains a high concentration of contaminants like volatile organic compounds, dust, and allergens, your filter may become clogged quickly. Clogs reduce airflow, which means that your air conditioner will need to work overtime to properly cool your home. When your system works harder, it will experience more wear and tear.
Common Indoor Air Contaminants
From asbestos to biological contaminants, there are numerous types of pollutants that should be removed from your indoor air to enhance the performance of your air conditioner. For example, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be produced from fuel, paint, and household cleaning products. The biological contaminants that often pollute indoor air include dust mites, pollen, and pet dander.
Even if you take steps to clean your home, sources of indoor air contamination aren’t always easy to detect. You may need to have your indoor air quality checked to identify the specific types of pollutants you need to reduce. Along with damaging the performance of your HVAC system, air pollution can also cause side effects like headaches, sore throat, and tiredness.
Addressing Poor Indoor Air Quality
It’s possible to identify the types of contaminants that are in your home with an air quality monitor. These devices can detect levels of humidity, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. However, they don’t test for radon and rarer types of contaminants. You may also benefit from obtaining a carbon monoxide detector for your home. Consider placing them near any device that creates carbon monoxide, such as gas cooking ranges.
Along with the filter in your HVAC system, you can improve your home’s air quality by selecting an air purifier. Depending on the type of purifier you choose, it can eliminate more than 99% of airborne contaminants, which will make it easier for your air conditioner to heat your home. Air purifiers are often installed in ducts, which means that they can be part of your air conditioning system.
Are you looking to improve the performance of your air conditioning system? Here at Ahoy! Cooling & Heating, we provide Temple Terrace residents with comprehensive air conditioning maintenance services. During a routine tune-up, our team of technicians will test safety systems, check the air filters, inspect the blower motor, and lubricate any moving parts.
We also offer a selection of indoor air quality services that can keep your air clean and boost the efficiency of your air conditioner. These services include duct cleaning, air filtration, and air balancing. Cleaning the ventilation in your home can improve airflow in the duct system, which should help you maintain HVAC efficiency.
Call Ahoy! Cooling & Heating today to learn more about our air conditioning maintenance services.
