With Albuquerque’s summer temperatures often in the low 100s and frequently having high winds, an air conditioning unit can work hard to keep your home comfortable.
But if you have an inefficient air conditioner, you can lose comfort and money! When deciding which company to choose for air conditioning services and maintenance, determine what the efficiency of your current AC unit is.
If your electric bill is increasing, your house isn’t cooling off as much as it used to, or your unit is operating in ways that are not normal, you need to start making some observations.
Maintaining the efficiency of your air conditioning unit is not just about staying comfortable; it’s also a way to help protect your investment and prevent breakdowns during the hot, summer months.
Why Do You Need to Maintain the Efficiency of Your Air Conditioner During the Summer?
During Albuquerque’s hot, summer months, your air conditioning unit is your home’s most important appliance. Running your air conditioning unit at maximum capacity for the length of the summer can put a tremendous amount of strain on the appliance, especially if it has not been properly maintained.
An air conditioner that is operating inefficiently will use more electricity, is less effective in cooling your home, and is more likely to stop working when you need it the most. The result of air conditioning inefficiency can lead to:
- Increased energy costs
- Uneven cooling in the home
- Frequent short cycling and/or overheating of the air conditioning unit
- Rapid wear and tear of the air conditioning unit
- High relative humidity in the home
Fortunately, homeowners in Wilmington have multiple options available for improving the performance of their air conditioning systems and keeping them efficient all summer.
How to Maintain the Efficiency of Your Air Conditioning Unit
Schedule a Professional Air Conditioning Inspection
Before the heat of summer peaks, you need to have your air conditioning unit inspected by a qualified HVAC technician. They will be able to perform a diagnostic on the air conditioning unit and find small, potential problems, such as dirty coils, low refrigerant levels, or worn components of the air conditioning unit, before they could lead to unit failure. Routine maintenance will keep your air conditioning system in tip-top shape and help you prevent the need for emergency repairs.
Regularly Change the Air Conditioning Unit’s Air Filters
Filters can become one of the largest contributors to poorly operating air conditioning units. When filters become clogged with dirt and dust, they can stop the flow of air through the system, causing excessive wear and tear on the air conditioning unit and cause it to use an excessive amount of electrical energy to cool your home to the set temperature. It is recommended that you change your air conditioning filter every 1-3 months; more frequently during the summer when air conditioning units use more energy than at different times.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Using a programmable thermostat can help you to maintain the temperature of your home more consistently and without putting unnecessary wear and stress on the unit. Set the thermostat according to your schedule so that the air conditioning unit does not work as hard when you are at home or will not work as hard during the hottest part of the hot summer day.
Seal Any Air Leaks and Insulate Your Home
There are many common places where cool air can escape from your house through poorly sealed windows and doors or poorly insulated ductwork. Make sure that your home is well sealed and insulated to prevent your air conditioning unit from having to run for long periods at maximum capacity to keep your home at the desired temperature.
Consider Upgrading Your Unit
If the air conditioning unit you have has been in service for longer than 10-15 years and/or needs frequent repairs, you should consider upgrading your unit. Today’s high, energy-efficient units can better withstand the heat of Wilmington and are designed to use much less energy than the units of 10-15 years ago. There are many warning signs, such as uneven room cooling or loud operation, that your air conditioning unit may be close to requiring a major repair or failure. Upgrading now will better prepare you for the long summer and greatly increase your chances of lowering your utility bills in the future.
Stay Cool and Use Low Energy Costs during the Hot Summer in Albuquerque
Don’t wait until your air conditioning unit breaks down on the hottest day of the summer. Utilize some of the provide tips, such as changing filters, routine maintenance check, or unit replacement.
