The key to getting the most out of your air conditioning is to understand exactly how it works. Perhaps you already have some burning questions about your home’s AC but have never had the opportunity to ask a professional. Well, today, we are happy to answer your questions and provide the best advice to maximize the efficiency of your unit. Let’s start with these five commonly asked questions about air conditioning systems.
How Often Should I Clean or Replace the Filter?
According to the Department of Energy, it’s recommended to clean or replace your filter once every month or two, though this depends on how hard your unit is working. If your environment has a lot of dust or if you have pets in your home, it’s important to replace your filter sooner. If you have a reusable filter, make sure to hire a professional to clean it as frequently as possible, and if you’re planning on replacing your filter, make sure a professional helps you choose a new filter that has the highest efficiency.
Cleaning or replacing your filter is an important maintenance task because, if your filter gets dirty or clogged, it can significantly restrict airflow, making your unit less efficient. It’s estimated that replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a new one can reduce your unit’s energy usage by as much as 15%, according to the Department of Energy.
What Are the Signs There’s Something Wrong With My Unit?
As your AC gets older, it may need more repairs than usual. Scheduling timely repairs will help extend the life of your unit, but if your unit is older than 10 years, you might want to start planning for a new AC installation. In the meantime, there are several signs you need to watch out for in order to stay on top of repairs. If you notice warm air blowing, weak airflow, rapid cycle, moisture or water leaks, strange odors or noises, and high humidity, it’s likely you need AC repair. Common causes of such issues include a malfunctioning thermostat, a faulty compressor, a refrigerant leak, or an electrical fault or burnt wiring. An AC repair specialist should be able to make a professional diagnosis to ensure your unit is properly fixed.
How Can I Boost the Efficiency of My Unit?
If your unit is at the end of its life expectancy, one of the best things you can do is arrange for a new AC installation. Air conditioning technology has improved significantly, and upgrading to a higher-efficiency unit could result in big savings on your energy bill over time. You can also maximize your energy savings by doing things like sealing your AC ducts, upgrading to a smart thermostat, changing your filters regularly, making sure your home is adequately insulated, keeping your compressor clean, and using fans to reduce the burden on your unit.
What Factors Should I Consider When Shopping for a New Unit?
No doubt, one of the biggest factors to consider when shopping for a new unit is your budget. Fortunately, there’s a wide range of options on the market, so you should be able to find something that suits your needs. Another important consideration to make is the size of your system and whether it will fit into your home. If you’re looking to improve the overall efficiency of your home, check the energy rating for each unit. Generally, the right unit for you depends on your preferences, cooling needs, and what you can afford.
What Are the Benefits of Professional AC Maintenance?
After an AC installation, be sure to schedule professional maintenance. According to HomeAdvisor, you need to service your HVAC system twice a year – once for your air conditioning and once for your heating. When your technician shows up to service your unit, they’ll perform tasks like checking for refrigerant leaks and topping up the refrigerant where necessary. They’ll also ensure that air is flowing properly through the evaporator coil, check system controls, inspect electric terminals, and check the accuracy of your thermostat, among other things. The benefits of routine AC maintenance include improved indoor air quality, increased energy efficiency, better home comfort, and fewer repairs. Overall, preventative maintenance prolongs the life of your system while saving more money from lower energy bills and fewer repairs.
Hopefully, you found this question-and-answer session to be helpful, and we have provided the answers to the important questions you had. If you have more questions to ask an air conditioning expert, no worries! We are just a phone call away, so don’t wait to call Wichita Heating and Air. We are all about value-added services, so we would love to talk more with you and see how our friendly team can meet your air conditioning needs.