Whether you have a central or a window unit, summertime's hot temperatures mean running the air conditioner It's a good idea to make sure that your air conditioning unit is in tip-top operating condition before turning it on and leaving it on for the entire summer.
Replacing units that are 5 or more years old makes sense as doing so will save money and energy over the long-term. Installing an energy-efficient model is one good way to save money spent on energy this summer.
While your air conditioner does most of work while cooling your home, it also makes sense to reduce the amount of work it has to do. One good way to reduce your overall cooling expenses is to find ways to keep the hot air outside and the cooled air inside. It might help to think of your home like a refrigerator. The air inside is cooled and you don't want it to get out unintentionally. There's no need to keep paying for cooled air when you can simply store it inside where you want it. The trick to keeping cool air inside is to discover places where it can leak out. Floor registers, windows and under doors are three places to begin.
Maintaining clean surfaces on the air conditioning unit will also help save your money. Dirt and dust are sure to build up on the front panel and the foam dust filter. Remove them and wash them in a mild solution of soap and water. When thoroughly dry and free of dirt and dust, reinstall them. A vacuum cleaner brush is a convenient way to remove any accumulation of cobwebs, dirt and dust from the inside of the unit.
Proceed with looking over the condition of the unit's cooling fins. Cooling fins are attached to the cooling coils and should not be distorted or bent out of shape in a way that blocks the free flow of air. Use a plastic spatula or other flat plastic utensil to separate the fins if essential. This isn't a difficult task as long as you use a plastic or wooden tool. It is also an important one to do, as air has to pass over the cooling coils for efficient working.
The maintenance and improvement of central air conditioners is more technical and will be covered in another improvement guide. Because of the measure and expense of operating a central air conditioner, most maintenance beyond cleaning and replacement of air filters is best left to a professional. Keep in mind that unusual noises, such as banging and clicking are signs of trouble and should be left to the pros. Smoke and the burning smell of plastic are other serious signs of trouble.
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Hunter May is a freelance writer with years of home ownership, property management and home repair article writing experience. His articles are featured at PracticalRepairs.com and are focused on how anyone can make their own Practical Home Repairs. Looking for Home Repair Tips? Whatever your home repair problem is your can discover the best home repair tips at www.practicalrepairs.com
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