Perhaps not directly, but by helping your air conditioner work more efficiently, you definitely lower the risks of needing emergency repairs. Bear with us and we’ll elaborate.
Let’s face it, if you’ve lived in the Salt Lake City area for even just one summer, you know how much of a workout air conditioners get. Fortunately, today’s air conditioners are very durable and designed to handle that heat—so long as they are cared for properly.
Caring for your air conditioner includes doing all that you can to make sure it’s able to perform as efficiently as possible. And lucky for you, there are a number of methods out there to not only boost system efficiency and lower your cooling costs, but also prevent repair needs, as well. Read on to learn more!
Tip #1: Schedule Maintenance!
This is a service we recommend to customers before the heating season begins—not typically during this time of the year. However, if you skipped your annual tune-up this time around, then it’s certainly not too late to schedule it now.
Sure, spring is the ideal time to have it done, but it matters more that you have this service done on a consistent basis. Keep in mind, too, that if you’re using a heat pump you’ll want to have maintenance done every six months.
Tip #2: Raise the Temperature
“Uh, what?” you may be asking.
Trust us!
No, we’re not asking you to turn up the heat during the remainder of summer, which would make no sense. However, you may be keeping your thermostat lower than really necessary. Even the lowest thermostat setting will not provide your home with cooling any faster. It just keeps the compressor running longer, which wears down on your AC unit faster.
We advise that you set the temperature on your thermostat to 78°F during the day, since this is the temperature most people are comfortable with.
Tip #3: Check the Outdoor Unit for Debris Buildup
The outdoor unit of your air conditioner (the condenser cabinet) is where the AC system exhausts the heat it removes from your home. It’s can’t do this effectively if the cabinet grill is dirty or trees and brush are obstructing it.
You want to clear out the area by about a foot on all sides to allow for proper airflow. We also recommend cleaning off any dirt or grime with a low pressured hose (to avoid damage to the coils).
Tip #4: Clear Away Indoor Obstructions
The outdoor unit of your air conditioner isn’t the only part that’s at risk of losing airflow due to buildup. Your indoor vents can get dusty, or get blocked off by things like furniture, backpacks, toys, etc. This will impact the airflow coming into your home, leading to less comfort for you, and an air conditioner that has to work too hard.
Tip #5: Change Your Air Filter!
The air filter that comes standard with your HVAC installation is in place to protect the system and blower fan from dust and other debris that gets drawn in through the return air ducts. This filter gets congested every 1-3 months, and needs to be replaced (or cleaned, if it’s a permanent filter). Otherwise, the restriction to airflow will, again, cause your cooling system to work harder.
See why our customers keep saying, “I Love My Design Comfort”! Contact us today for quality air conditioning repair in Salt Lake City.
