Your air conditioner inevitably works harder in the summer to cool your home when temperatures are at their highest. While the latest AC models are designed to stand up to the challenge of cooling your home, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. And if you have an older air conditioner you may be looking for ways to boost efficiency so you can get a few more summers out of the unit before replacing it completely.
There are ways you can boost efficiency and save money on your energy costs, even extending the life of your AC unit. If you’re looking for air conditioning repair in Riverside, CA, look no further. Our team can help with routine maintenance to keep your unit running at its best.
In the meantime, use these tips to help your AC unit work efficiently this summer.
Set Your Thermostat Higher
Sure, you want your home to be cool and comfortable, but at what cost? Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher can alleviate some of the strain on your unit. Instead of trying to cool your home significantly lower than the temperature outside, consider setting your thermostat at 78° during the day. You can increase it even more when you’re away or asleep at night. If you do want your home cooler during certain hours, set a reminder to reset the temperature a little higher again.
Clean Your Outdoor Condenser
The outdoor portion of your unit has a grill that covers the area where hot air blows out and away from your home. This grill collects dust, dirt, and debris over time. When the grill is clogged, your unit cannot work as efficiently to remove hot air. You can brush it off or rinse it gently with a hose. But be careful so you don’t damage the coils.
Clean Your Indoor Vents
Let’s face it, dust and dirt collect everywhere. Even though your air conditioner has an air filter, dust and dirt still make their way into your ductwork and vents. Take time to regularly unscrew your vent covers and clean them. You may not think a small layer of dust can make a huge difference in your unit’s efficiency, but it does.
Change Your Air Filter Frequently
Most air filters need to be changed every one to three months. Don’t set it and forget it. Instead, check your air filter every month or so and see how it looks. Some months your air filter may collect dust and dirt faster and need to be changed more often. Changing your air filter even just a few days early can make a difference in your AC’s efficiency in cooling your home.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Having a tune-up once per year is a great way to ensure your AC is running at peak performance. Investing in repairs before problems arise can help prevent more costly repairs that are needed when parts wear out over time and the damage spreads to other components. An AC tune-up is especially important right before summer when your unit runs more often.
Contact RKM Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment with us. Done Right, Priced Right.