Help Your Central Air Conditioner Work More Efficiently
After about thirteen years most central AC units are ready to be replaced
, either because they've broken down or they're just no longer as efficient when compared to modern models. With an average cost of $2,000 to $5,000 or more to pay for a new central air conditioner you might want to try taking a few steps to keep your air conditioner in service for as long as possible.
You may want to test your ac unit now while there's still time to repair any potential problems. If something is wrong you still have time to get it fixed before it gets really hot. Before calling in the repair company, you could try to fix your air conditioner yourself with some of these quick tips. If everything is working well then here are a few things you can do to keep your central AC unit in decent running order:
Keep Your AC Unit Clean: There's a big box with a fan in it outside your home that's responsible for most of your AC's cooling. It's important to keep the condenser unblocked and make sure there is nothing blocking the airflow. Things like grass, weeds and even kids toys can all damage an AC if left against the condenser. Make sure you aren't throwing anything against it when you cut your lawn.
Shade Your AC Unit: Putting your air conditioner unit in the shade could reduce how hard it has to work and some estimates place the energy savings around nearly 10%! A US Department of Energy report recommends putting tall bushes or some sort of shade structure around your central air conditioner unit so that it doesn't have to run as hard to stay cool. Some newer and commercial air conditioner units actually have sensors in them that can adjust to hotter temperatures.
Test your Air Conditioner Frequently: Giving your air conditioner a regular "check up" will really help keep it working. First, you'll need to change your home air filter every three to six months. These filters can get blocked with air particles and limit the amount of cold air you're getting in your home. A severely blocked filter can actually destroy an AC unit and require it to be replaced.
Regular maintenance all year around will help you stay cool for longer and with less air conditioner breakdowns on those days when the temperature reminds you that it's summer! I hope this helps you save some cash and helps your air conditioner unit keep cool this summer!