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How to Boost AC Efficiency

How to Boost AC Efficiency

AC Repair in Vacaville #1

When temperatures soar, your AC works round the clock to maintain a cool, comfortable home. Like other household equipment, your AC can develop problems that can negatively affect its efficiency. When the sun beats down, you do not want to be stuck with an AC that does not cool properly.

Here are some ways to improve air conditioning efficiency in Vacaville.

Vacuum Indoor Vents & Keep Them Unblocked

Over time, vents can become clogged with dust and debris. Unclean vents make your air conditioner work harder, and longer in order to achieve your desired temperature. An overworked AC draws more electricity than usual and can break down frequently.

If you fail to address the problem in a timely manner, important AC components can wear out prematurely and you may have to replace a part, or worse, the entire unit earlier than you anticipated.

To prevent problems, periodically clean your air ducts. Vacuum any dust and debris away from your vents. Regular duct cleaning keeps airflow problems at bay and can save you money and headaches down the road. Make sure your vents are not blocked by furniture, toys, and blinds.

“How often should I clean my ducts?” - This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask their AC contractors. Many experts advise cleaning ducts every 2-3 years. If you have pets, kids, or aging adults at home, you will want to have your ducts cleaned more frequently.

Some signs your vents need to be cleaned are:
 

  • Unstable or poor airflow
  • Odor from your vents
  • High cooling costs
  • Insect infestation

Periodically Inspect & Maintain Ductwork

A cooling system’s ductwork is responsible for supplying conditioned air to every room in the house. The duct system also plays an important role in improving indoor air quality.

Deficiencies in your ductwork can affect your unit’s performance. Over time, leaks may develop in your ductwork. Leaky ductwork can increase wear and tear on your system by forcing it to put in more effort to cool your home. The longer you wait to address duct issues, the more the damage. Make inspecting and maintaining your ductwork a priority. Patch poorly sealed ducts as soon as possible and add insulation to uninsulated areas to minimize heat loss and thermal transfer.

Have your contractor inspect your ductwork every year. If you have an old house, your ductwork may be beyond saving, and it is advisable to replace it. 

Maintain the Outdoor Unit

Your condenser’s job is to release heat energy to the outside air. An unclean condenser is unable to do this job properly. It uses more electricity than usual and can cause the system to overheat and break down.

Maintaining your cooling system’s outdoor unit is as important as caring for the indoor unit. A clean condenser allows your unit to operate at peak efficiency. Trim vegetation back around your outdoor unit. To clean your outdoor unit, first, disconnect your AC and turn the thermostat off. Remove any large pieces of debris by hand. Carefully vacuum the condenser fins.

Use your garden hose to remove loose debris sticking to different parts of your compressor. Avoid using a pressure washer or you may inadvertently damage your fins. Spray a foaming AC coil cleaner directly into your coils. Wait for 10-15 minutes for the solution to bind with the dirt on your coils. Thoroughly rinse them to remove dirt.

When inspecting your outdoor unit, keep an eye out for bent and damaged fins. Repair them straight away. Make sure your condenser is placed on a flat and rigid surface and is level. 

If condenser cleaning seems like an overbearing task, call your contractor to schedule AC repair in Vacaville.

Use Curtains and Binds to Block Out Sunlight

Keep curtains and blinds on your windows drawn during the hottest time of the day. Keeping curtains closed is a great way to reduce heat inside your home and take some pressure off your cooling system. Conversely, leave your curtains open during the night to promote cross ventilation.

Consider Cooking Outside

Cooking inside adds heat to your areas. If you have an expansive lawn, consider cooking outside to prevent solar heat gain. If this is not possible, avoid using your oven and hair dryer as they can cause warm air to be drawn to your home. Minimize the use of heat-emitting appliances during the day.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat 

If you are still using an old-fashioned manual thermostat, now is the right time to switch to a programmable model. There are several benefits of programmable thermostats. A programmable thermostat can save you both time and money. Programmable thermostats come loaded with advanced features that help users get the most out of their cooling systems.

Thermostat Maintenance

You cannot simply install your thermostat and forget it. Like every other household equipment, your thermostat needs regular and proper care. Regular maintenance improves thermostat efficiency and can add years to the useful life of a programmable thermostat. Well-maintained thermostats are reliable. They generate accurate readings and need less frequent repairs than thermostats that are maintained occasionally or not maintained at all.

On the other hand, a poorly maintained thermostat can develop problems that can cause it to generate wrong readings, forcing the cooling system to run harder and longer.

Here are some tips to maintain your programmable thermostat:

  • Clean your thermostat with a soft brush or compressed air
  • Check your batteries and change them if required.
  • Inspect thermostat wiring. Fix frayed wires as soon as possible

In addition to following these tips, make sure your thermostat is not placed close to a heat source or in a place that receives direct sunlight.

Is your malfunctioning AC keeping you up at night? Let Right Now Air & Solar help. Our pros have years of experience repairing and maintaining different types of cooling systems in Vacaville. To make an appointment, call (707) 868-8736.