How to Ensure Your AC Runs at Maximum Efficiency?

Your home air conditioning consumes a lot of energy. If you do not use it wisely, you may end up wasting a lot of resources and spending a huge amount of money for your monthly utility bills. Being informed of how the system functions and what one can do to achieve maximum output with minimum energy, can help bring down energy usage, bills, and also keep your system in solid shape. Avoiding certain common mistakes, while running a Bay Area residential air conditioning, can go a long way in helping you run your AC at maximum efficiency.

Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts to be followed regularly, for hassle-free cooling around the house.

1. Install a correctly sized system

This is the most essential step that homeowners must get right. An air conditioner that is too small or too large for your space will consume a great amount of energy and still not give you adequate cooling. When installing a new system, remember that bigger is not always better and smaller does not mean you can save money.

2. Set the right temperature

You can save up to 10 per cent of energy annually, if you set the temperature on your air conditioner right, depending on the season. It is generally recommended to set indoor temperature at 78 degrees Fahrenheit, in summers, when you are home. If you are going to be away for more than two or three hours, it would be wise to set it at 85 degrees. Similarly, in winters, the temperature can be set to about 65 degrees Fahrenheit when you are home and 55 degrees when you are away. This way you can reduce your energy consumption and save money.

3. Install a programmable thermostat

Programmable thermostats help you regulate temperature and also set cooling cycles depending on your daily schedule. This additionally helps in saving a lot of energy and ensuring that your system does not run unnecessarily. A Smart thermostat will allow you to set or change settings remotely as well.

4. Replace air filters regularly

Air filters are meant to trap tiny particles in air that can get into your system and damage it. Over time, the dirt and other particles collected on air filters restrict air flow. In these types of cases, the AC has to run harder and for a longer time to cool your rooms according to your preference. Based on this fact, air filters must be changed once every two to three months.

5. Do not close all doors and windows

ACs provide optimum cooling when air is allowed to flow freely around the house. Closing doors to rooms will hamper this flow and put pressure on the system. This could damage the parts.

6. Get the ductwork inspected and cleaned often

Ductwork is extremely important, for this is where all the expensive, conditioned air travels. Over time, ducts can develop cracks, leaks or infestations; resulting in contaminated air circulating around the house or loss of cool air. Regular maintenance can take care of this and any other minor issues before they cause any malfunctions.