For many homes in the warmer climate areas, air conditioning tends to take up a large proportion of the energy bill (which can run to even 70%). However, you can employ several strategies to ensure that you reduce the load by changing your air conditioning habits. Below are some of the biggest air conditioner Santa Barbara mistakes that homeowners make. Learning about the mistakes will help reduce your usage and ultimately the numbers on your electric bills. Browse website for more information.
Placing the Air Conditioner in Hot Area
Although air conditioners are best placed in unused spots, on your home’s southwest side, the placement can also make your AC unit work too hard. Consider placing the system in a shaded spot on the north or east side of your home, where it will receive minimal direct sunlight.
Putting Off Maintenance
Some air conditioners can be deceptively self-sufficient. A few homeowners ignore maintenance that is likely to improve comfort and efficiency as well as extend the AC unit’s life. Replacing or cleaning the filter every 2 months will help your system run at optimal levels.
Maintenance requires cleaning and changing the filters. Always check for pet hair, dust and other impurities on the filters. The evaporator coil should also be cleaned at least once a year. Running a stiff wire through the drain channels helps clear any dirt.
Closing Unused Vents
Although there is a lot of debate surrounding closing vents to unused rooms, this decreases the efficiency. Before you decide to close any vents or doors, it is important that you get in touch with the experts. Also, take care when you close rooms that are likely to have a thermostat.
Running Ceiling Fans Backwards or Not Using them at All
Many homeowners think that ceiling fans are meant to substitute the air conditioner. However, the fans are designed to work in tandem with the AC. Energy Star advices homeowners to ensure that their fans are switched to pushing the air downward (counter-clockwise motion). Pushing the air downwards, helps create the wind chill effect that makes you feel even cooler.
Another means of achieving optimal air conditioner efficiency is by getting in touch and contracting the service of a professional firm such as Jerry’s Plumbing Santa Barbara. For the experts, no job is too small or too big, and they appreciate the chance you provide them to solve your air conditioning problems.
