Increase AC Efficiency with AC System Maintenance

In order for your heating and cooling systems to work at peak performance, with increased efficiency, it is necessary to maintain the air conditioner correctly. There are quite a few things that can be done on a regular basis that will make your system work better, save money, and electricity. First thing to do is inspect the air filter. The filter cleans the air conditioning system and removes particles from the air. A clean filter will let the air pass through more efficiently. If you do not change or clean the filter regularly it will become a source of air pollution. Do not run the air conditioner without a filter as it will cause your evaporator coil to degrade and you will lose efficiency. Filter replacement is an easy job. Most laymen will be able to do the job without having to use an air conditioning professional.

The air conditioning ducts are the next place to look to save energy and increase efficiency. The duct system is how the cool air is moved throughout the system. Within the duct system there may be leakage. Leakage is how a well-designed air conditioning system loses efficiency. More than likely you will have to hire a professional to inspect and repair any leaks within the duct system. Cleaning the duct system is another way to make the air flow cleaner and more efficient. Ducts can become very dirty over time reducing air flow and increasing the dirty air flow. Duct cleaning is a difficult job and professionals have the necessary tools for the job.  

Make sure your air conditioner compressor is fully charged with coolant. This will make the system run and cool easier while improving efficiency. You can use various methods to improve the way the building holds the cooled air. Windows that are not sealed will lose a large amount of air. Windows that are not tinted or shaded increase the heat that is transferred and will increase the temperature of the building. 

Adding a thick layer of insulation is a great way of keeping the building cool and efficient. A thick blanket of fiberglass insulation with an aluminum foil will pay for itself in a short period of time. There are new “cool roof tiles” technology. These cool roofs can save a ton of energy over a period of a year. Lastly a modern home may need some kind of mechanical ventilation in order to vent the building correctly and let the air conditioner work at peak efficiency.