how to keep your air conditioner running properly
TRANSCRIPT
HOW TO KEEPYOUR AIR CONDITIONERRUNNING PROPERLY
A I R C E N T R A L O F T H E C A R O L I N A S . C O M
BASIC ACMAINTENANCE
Keep the unit area clean
Change the air filter
Use a programmable thermostat
Set the right temperature
Replace the fuses
Have routine maintenance/check-ups
I M P R O V E P E R F O R M A N C E A N DP R E V E N T E A R L Y R E P L A C E M E N T
CLEANTo help maximize your air conditioner’s efficiency, keep the area around the unit
free of objects and foliage to increase airflow and keep its components clean.
Keeping the unit clear of debris contributes greatly to the life of a unit. Cut back
plants and shrubs around the unit to at least 2 feet away. Constantly check for
and clear away weeds, leaves, and plant debris that can get into the unit. You
want to allow for proper clearance at the top and around all sides of the unit in
order for it to function properly. It is also a good idea to brush dirt and
obstructions from the coils and the drains before starting the unit for an
extended period of time.
K E E P T H E U N I T A R E A
CHANGE THE AIRFILTEROne of the most important things to maintain an
air conditioner just so happens to be the easiest
one for people to do, change the air filter. Dirty
air filters are the Number 1 preventable cause of
a system breakdown. If the air filter becomes
clogged by dirt and other particles, the unit can’t
produce enough airflow, resulting in a lower
volume of air and the system having to work
harder. Keeping a clean filter allows the system
to run more efficiently and reduce costs by
saving energy. New filters are not that
expensive, and keeping a clean filter without
debris will contribute to a longer lasting air
conditioning unit.
Programmable thermostats help ensure that the
air conditioner operates only when necessary.
This allows the air conditioner to maintain a
steady temperature, which prevents it from
running constantly, thus helping to conserve
energy. A programmable thermostat is a small
investment that can help save you money as it
only allows the air conditioner to operate at the
right time of the day.
USE APROGRAMMABLETHERMOSTAT
SET THE RIGHTTEMPERATUREThe ideal temperature setting for a central air
conditioner is about 78° Fahrenheit. For every
degree that you raise the thermostat above
78°, while it’s on the cooling setting, you save
up a 5-10 percent more on your cooling
costs. You can also adjust the temperature by
using ceiling fans set on the lowest setting to
circulate cold air throughout your home.
Doing this allows you to keep the
temperature on the thermostat higher and
put less pressure on the air conditioning
system.
REPLACE THEFUSES
Turn off the unit’s circuit breaker.
Remove the fuses from the disconnect box.
Purchase new fuses.
Take an old fuse with you to make sure you
purchase the right type.
Place the new fuses inside the disconnect box.
Close the disconnect box.
Turn on the unit’s circuit breaker.
R E P L A C E S T H E F U S E S E V E R Y 6 - 1 2M O N T H S , D E P E N D I N G O N U S A G E .
HAVE ROUTINECHECK-UPSFor your air conditioner to operate properly and
efficiently, a qualified professional technician
should service the unit at the beginning of each
cooling season. Like a car, a central air
conditioner is a big investment. When a
professional technician services your air
conditioner, they will make sure the various
parts are working properly and will make
adjustments that will help increase the
efficiency of your system. A professional
technician will also let you know about minor
problems that need attention before they
become expensive repairs in the future.
The steps provided will help your air conditioner run more smoothly and
efficiently. Nevertheless, these steps will only deny the inevitable for a
failing system. They may help save on major repairs and energy costs,
but if the system is already 12 to 15 years old, it may be time to consider
replacing the system.
S O U R C E : H T T P : / / A I R C E N T R A L O F T H E C A R O L I N A S . C O M / B L O G /
Maintenance and repairs on older systems can be more expensive and
they don’t operate as efficiently, whereas a new system will be much
more energy efficient and will save you a lot on energy bills.
THANK YOUA I R C E N T R A L O F T H E C A R O L I N A S . C O M