Did anyone see the recent fascinating news story about the invention of the world’s whitest paint, which could help cool an ever warming earth? Able to reflect 98% of sunlight, it’s predicted that the paint could reduce the need for air conditioning in the future. Incredible!
That said, it’s going to be at least two years until the paint is on the market. Until then, in countries which need air conditioning, it’s essential that we maintain our units to ensure they’re working to their maximum efficiency, thus reducing the strain they’re putting on the planet.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, air conditioning is used in 87% of US homes, and accounts for, on average, 12% of the energy expenses in a home. In summer, that number can go up to 70%.
To lessen your unit’s impact on the environment (and your energy bills), there are steps you can take to ensure your air conditioner is running efficiently, some requiring professional intervention and some simply needing behavioural change.
Before we look at how to maximise the efficiency of your air conditioner, here’s how you can identify that it isn’t running to its full potential:
- A significant change in usage costs or energy bills
- Unusual sounds
- Inconsistent temperature in a room
- An ice build up on your AC
- A curious odour
- Your unit is blowing out warm air
- The on/off cycle occurs more frequently than normal
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, or you want to be prepared in case of any eventuality, then read on; here are 5 maintenance tips to maximise your air conditioner’s efficiency.
BE MORE CONSERVATIVE WITH YOUR THERMOSTAT
Being a little more conservative with your thermostat settings can save you money and energy. While this might sound counterproductive, the air conditioner needs a break, and cutting it just a couple of degrees of slack can help hugely.
Some people take to adjusting the thermostat every time they leave the house and then doing it again when they get back, or turning it down at night. This is tedious and often inefficient work. Instead, you can replace your thermostat with a smart version. According to the US Department of Energy, at least 20% of home cooling costs can be saved by getting a high-efficiency, smart-running unit to replace an antiquated, less efficient conditioner.
Smart thermostats automatically adjust the temperature according to the schedule that you set. Some models lower or raise the temperature when they detect the presence or absence of someone in the house. What’s more, you can even adjust the temperature remotely if you connect the smart thermostat to your WiFi.
You should always be on the lookout for issues with your AC’s thermostat, which the heating and cooling experts at Air Dreamy tell us ”is just as likely to go bad as any other air conditioning part” and ”can lead to many other issues within the AC system”.
Signs to look out for in a fault AT thermostat include it running non-stop, displaying an obviously incorrect temperature reading, and refusing to shut down entirely.
Read: Why You Should Switch To A Smart Thermostat
CHECK FOR BLOCKAGES IN YOUR VENTS
Walk around your house and pay close attention to your air conditioner’s vents; have they accumulated any large concentrations of dust, debris or other blockages?
The guys at Call The General, who provide AC maintenance in Coachella, CA, tell us that the best way to prevent ”clogged drain holes or leaks” is through ”regular air conditioning maintenance”.
Accordingly, it’s essential that you (or you have a professional) remove any debris from the air supply vents to maximise their airflow. Vacuum any dust and debris away from the supply vents as a matter of course, but if you’re keen to go further, you can also have the unit cleaned by a professional. This will maintain steady airflow.
Blockages don’t only occur within or attached to the vent. Nearby items such as furniture should be kept away from vents, too. If possible, rearrange your furniture so it’s not blocking airflow and preventing a direct channel into the room. Doing so will ensure that you don’t have to use the air conditioner longer than you would have to if there was no item blocking it.
On the flip side, it’s essential you reduce the likelihood of air escaping, too. Running your AC with the windows open is obviously a mistake, but it’s also a good idea to check for air leaks under doors and around your window seals.
SCHEDULE A MAINTENANCE APPOINTMENT
To improve efficiency and lower the cost of energy consumption in the home, schedule a maintenance appointment with a professional air conditioner repair service, who can identify the exact issue (or issues) which is causing your AC unit to not run at its full potential.
Even if your unit is running smoothly, twice-yearly maintenance is recommended to ensure there are no underlying issues which could effect the capability of your air conditioning in the future.
According to the guys at Cool Best Aircon, aside from air-con issue diagnosis, services you should expect from a maintenance expert include ‘’aircon gas top up, chemical wash, aircon leaking water and aircon post-service inspection’’, all of which can help your unit run more smoothly.
BE SENSIBLE WITH HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE USE
Electronics and appliances around the home generate and circulate heat, as well as consuming energy even when not in use, so it’s a wise move to put them on sleep mode whenever you’re not using them.
What’s more, on particularly hot days, it might be worth sticking to salads! This is because using your oven consistently (or, for that matter, your dishwasher, washing machine or tumble dryer) can generate a significant amount of household heat.
Though the effect on your air conditioning will be minor, every little helps.
Read: Why Is My Energy Bill So High? 5 Electricity Sucking Home Appliances.
INSULATE EXPOSED DUCTWORK
Look for exposed ductwork in your basement, garage, loft or utility room. If you find any exposed ductwork, add insulation; this can help make your AC system more efficient. This is because when ducts are left exposed, cool air is leaked to the surrounding area, and the targeted heating and cooling of your AC is lessened in impact.
Sometimes, the duct may be disconnected, with this mostly happening in crawl spaces and attics. When this occurs, airflow is reduced as the ducts are restricted. To avoid this, ensure you check the ducts often and make sure they are connected as they should be.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Keeping your AC unit running efficiently requires both proactive and reactive measures. Alongside household habitual changes, regular maintenance can help your air conditioning run to its full potential.