Step 1: Clean and clear
A quick clean and clear once a month will help keep your AC running smoothly. Check your outdoor unit for debris, sand and dirt, which can sometimes cause blockages. It’s also important to clean indoor grills and filters every month to maintain the best cooling and air quality.
Step 2: Turn up the temperature
Raising the thermostat a single degree could reduce your cooling costs by 3-5%. If your home doesn’t have a programmable thermostat, consider making the upgrade. By automatically adjusting temperatures when you’re asleep or away from home, the device can pay for itself in a few short years. Check out our Nest Learning Thermostat.
Step 3: Call in the professionals
Once a year, it’s advisable to have a licensed professional perform a full inspection on your air conditioning units. This will involve cleaning and flushing the condenser coils, draining the pan and drainage system, vacuuming the blower compartments, and checking the refrigerant and mechanical parts.
It’s also worth asking them to check the ductwork, especially if your cooling bills have been higher than normal. Up to 30 to 40 percent of energy can escape through leaky or uninsulated ducts.
Ready for an upgrade?
Today’s central AC equipment is much more efficient than it was just 10 years ago. Updating or even replacing a system that’s older than that is another way to reduce cooling costs, especially if you choose one of our 4 or 5 Star Energy Efficiency models. Check out our products.