Most people think they are using their air conditioners effectively and efficiently. Some may be right, but a lot are probably wrong. As technologies advance, regardless of the industry, usage suggestions get updated. For example, it used to be regular practice to let your car warm up before driving it, especially in winter. However, engines made today are designed differently and no longer require that “warm up”. So many people are still convinced that this is necessary and still do it to this day. There are many myths surrounding air conditioner usage and maintenance that not only are no longer true, but may have never been correct in the first place. We assume you’re pretty confident you know how to use your air conditioner correctly. Test your knowledge with our list of dos and don’ts of air conditioner repair in Manasquan.
Do Check Your Air Filter Regularly to Avoid Air Conditioner Repair in Manasquan
Most HVAC maintenance is best left to the professionals. There is one item on the to-do list, however, that all homeowners can and should be doing. The air filter located in the air handling unit should be attended to every three months. As the filter does its job, it will become clogged with debris. The less air flow through the filter, the less efficient your air handler unit will be. Maintaining a clean filter is required for proper a/c usage. It is not something that requires a visit from your air conditioner repair in Manasquan company. They can help you determine what type of filter to buy for your system if you are unsure, but the changing is easy enough for anyone to do.
Don’t Ignore Rising Energy Bills
If you are one of the thousands of homeowners that were unaware of the existence of an air filter in your HVAC system, you may have watched your energy usage and therefore bills rise. As air flow is restricted, stress on the system rises. This usually results in longer cycles due to the unit needing to work harder to reach the desired temperature. Homeowners see this effect in their energy bills. If you have been experiencing rising utility bills, consider calling your local HVAC repair company. The longer the units run, the more energy they use. A cleaner HVAC system is a more efficient HVAC system.
Do Use Your Ceiling Fans to Spread Treated Air
Although not all homes are equipped with ceiling fans, and many people do not enjoy their aesthetic, they can be a big help in making heating and air conditioning units more effective. Those that do have ceiling fans, however, can use them to their advantage. They aren’t just for cooling in the warmer months. What some homeowners may not be aware of is that all ceiling fans have a switch that controls the direction that the fan rotates. When the direction of the fan is set to spin clockwise, an updraft is created. This helps to distribute warmer air throughout the room. When set to counterclockwise rotation, a downdraft helps to circulate cool air. So, yes, use your ceiling fans in the winter. Just make sure they are correctly set.
Don’t Close Vents to Save Money
This is one of those old truths that too many people still believe. The though behind this is that if you close doors to rooms you don’t use or shut vents throughout the house, your system somehow emits less air and will therefore cost less to operate. This is, of course, not true. Each HVAC system, no matter the installation, is designed for that specific space. Attempting to affect that air flow in any way will either be ineffective or have a negative side-effect. Restricting exiting air flow is the same as restricting incoming air flow and puts undue stress on the system. The best way to operate the system is exactly as the directions say to.
Do Use Your Thermostat Properly to Put Off Air Conditioner Repair in Manasquan
Another easy tip that does more to save homeowners money than any other step is to use the thermostat appropriately. If your thermostat is normally set at 70°F in the summer, try 72°F. Rather than relying entirely on your air conditioner, use fans to help circulate the air better. This allows the target temperature to be maintained with less stress on the HVAC system. The same goes for the winter. In addition to that, turning your air conditioner to a very cold temperature will not cool a room any faster than setting it at the desired temperature. There is no benefit in setting the temperature any cooler than what you want it to be.
Do Schedule an Annual Inspection of Your HVAC Systems
The number one do of air conditioner repair in Manasquan is to have an annual inspection by a professional. The detection and repair of minor problems is the number one way to ensure an air conditioner lasts as long as possible while operating as efficiently as possible. Plus, a professional cleaning also helps to ensure the system runs smoothly. Lastly, maintenance bills are less expensive than air conditioner repair bills. When it comes to HVAC, always maintain rather than repair.
Be sure to check out our glossary of terms related to air conditioner repair in Manasquan for a better understanding of your a/c.