In the last article we introduced the "sponge" analogy of air conditioning and we are going to expand upon it when discussing our first recommendation -

1) Make sure you always remember to change your air filters

So you are probably wondering where this is going, but air flow is critical your system's performance. Remember, our air conditioner is a sponge, trying to absorb heat from the air inside the home. If you block the air from flowing to the system, your air conditioner will simply not work. In fact, if the air conditioner tries to run with significant reduction in air flow you can potentially damage the air conditioner.

One of the jobs of the air filter is to prevent particles from building up on the outside part of the coil. Remember, the sponge, or freon, flows through the house inside a coil. If the outside of the coil gets dirty, a barrier will be created which will restrict the heat from getting to the sponge. So it is critical to have good, clean air flow and that is accomplished by changing your filters regularly.

2) If you have a programmable thermostat, start using the set back feature

Using a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the times you turn on the heating or air-conditioning according to a pre-set schedule. As a result, the equipment does not operate as much when you are asleep or when away from your home.

"You can save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 10°–15° for eight hours." – U.S. Department of Energy, Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

So without sacrificing comfort, you can put a little more money in pocket and help your system last longer through decreased usage.

3) Have your system checked by a professional

You change the oil in your car regularly, right? When the oil is changed, the mechanic performs a general system check, right? Why wouldn't you do the same for the most expensive system in your home?

Just like with your car, system checks range from a quick overview to a detailed inspection. Generally speaking, the older the equipment, the more thorough the check should be. Contractors will check the outside equipment, check the inside equipment, clean the equipment (remember we got to keep that coil clean), and inspect the duct work for leakage.

With these simple tips you will have your air conditioner in shape and ready to go for the summer.

Regards,
Brian Starzec
A/C Patriot

Next Issue - Is a maintenance plan right for me?
In our next issue we will discuss the pros and cons of having a maintenance plan. Have a great weekend!