Keep Your “Cool” This Summer

by | Jul 10, 2018 | 2018, Energy Efficiency, Housing, Money Management

Check your air conditioner filter monthly and replace when dirty.
Photo Source: UF/IFAS Northwest District

When the temperature is in the 90s and the heat index in the triple digits, you certainly don’t want your air conditioner to conk out!  Follow these simple steps to keep your AC running efficiently and to save money on your electric bill:

Check the filter monthly.  Your air conditioner’s filter catches dust, dirt, and allergens to keep your home cleaner.  During periods of high use, like summer, a lot of air passes through the filter so it can become dirty more quickly.  If you live in a dusty area or have pets, these, too, can “fill” your filter so be sure to check your filter monthly and clean or change it as needed.  Some filters are washable and reusable, such as in window unit air conditioners.  To clean, turn off the unit and remove the filter.  Wash in warm, soapy water and allow to air dry; reinstall in unit.  Replace the filter if it is worn or torn.  Inspect and replace window seals to prevent cool air leaks.

Central air conditioning systems typically use disposable filters.  Turn off the system to prevent dust and dirt from entering the unit while you are cleaning it.  Open the intake grate and remove the filter.  Hold the filter up to a light; if you see very little light through the filter, replace it.  Make sure to install the new filter so the air flows in the direction indicated by the arrow on the filter frame.  Also, dust the grate with a soft cloth.  Use the filter type recommended by the manufacturer for best performance; keep a supply on hand so you can change them regularly.  Pick a day of the month, such as the 1st or when you receive your electric bill, to check the filter.  This also is a good time to dust your ceiling fan blades.

Does a clean filter make a difference?  A clogged filter makes your air conditioner work harder to pull air through the filter.  Many of the newer air conditioning units now have a safety feature that shuts down the unit if air cannot pass through the filter to prevent the compressor from overheating.  When this happens, a service technician must inspect and reset the unit, resulting in a service call charge.  Getting in the habit of checking and changing your filters regularly will keep your unit operating efficiently and extend its usable life.  You can reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent by maintaining clean air filters (www.energy.gov).

Clean leaves and other debris from the fan, compressor, and condenser.  Trim shrubbery so it is at least two feet away from the outside unit to allow for proper air flow.

Check and clean the evaporator coil every year.

Use a “fin comb” (available at hardware stores) to straighten bent coil fins.

Twice a year, insert a stiff wire through the drain channels to clear and prevent clogs, which can lead to backups and flooding.

Have your air conditioner serviced at least once a year.  Spring is an ideal time to have a qualified service technician inspect and service your unit so it can handle the demand of the hot summer months.

Keep your “cool” this summer with these maintenance tips!

For more information, visit:
Energy Saver 101:  Everything You Need to Know About Home Cooling

Florida Energy Systems Consortium

 

Judy Corbus
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