TIPS FOR BETTER EFFICIENCY
1 - Set thermostat at one temperature. Constant adjusting can cause higher utility costs. If using your thermostat as a setback type, limit the setbacks to twice a day such as when you are at work and when you are sleeping. Only setback the thermostat 6% of desired temperature (approximately five degrees).

2 - In heating, try not to set the thermostat below 65 degrees or above 75 degrees. Below 65 degrees a heat pump just won't put out enough heat and above 75 degrees is using too much energy. In cooling, try not to set the thermostat below 70 degrees. Besides higher utility costs, this can cause the indoor coil to freeze and cause condensation in the house.

Residential Air Conditioning Thermostat3 - Keep coils clean. If they get dirty you can use a heavy duty degreaser and hose them down. Just turn the unit off first.

4 - Don't stack things on top of the unit. If the fan is on the top the air-flow cannot be restricted. Do not put your rolled-up garden hose or landscaping products on the unit. We see this all the time.

5 - When mowing the lawn, direct the mower away from the unit. A coil blocked with grass clippings and debris drastically reduces the efficiency.

6 - When using a weed whacker be careful near the unit. Debris can damage the coil, flatten the aluminum fins, and cut the thermostat wires; shorting out the transformer. We see this all the time and it is an expensive repair bill.
 
COMMON TIPS


1 - Perform regularly scheduled maintenance on your air conditioning unit. Replace the filter monthly during the season and have a professional service your system at the beginning of each new season.

Heating & Cooling Systems2 - Install a programmable thermostat so you can change the temperature according to when you're home and at work. Set it to 78 degrees when you're home and set  it the air conditioning at 85 degrees while you're gone..

3 - Plant shady trees and shrubs around your house to help reduce its exposure to the sun, especially on the west and south sides. This can reduce your AC costs by up to 30%.

4 - Close drapes & blinds on the sunny side of your house.

5 - Sealing up air leaks in your house will help reduce your air conditioning costs. Caulk or seal places where utilities come into your home (electricity, plumbing, dryer vents, etc.). Fill gaps around your chimneys and weather strip around windows and doors.

6 - Install energy efficient ceiling fans. If it's just a little too warm for comfort, use the ceiling fan without air conditioning. If it's hot enough to require your air conditioning, using you ceiling fans will add even more comfort..

7  - A lighter colored house will not absorb as much heat and a darker colored one. So if you're buying or considering repainting, choose lighter colors for your exterior.
 
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. Air Conditioning.