Indoor Maintenance

Filter replacement is a crucial aspect of heater and air-conditioner maintenance. Your air filter is designed to remove contaminants from the air you breathe. As these contaminants collect inside the filter, they reduce the filter’s efficiency.

Check your air filters at least once a month. A good rule of thumb is to check your filter(s) every time you receive your monthly electricity statement. Fiberglass filters should be replaced every month while pleated filters may last up to three months. Your filter may need more frequent changing if the system is in use year-round, is subjected to dusty conditions or if you have pets in the house.

Clogged filters block normal airflow and can have consequences beyond the filter itself. With normal airflow obstructed, air that bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil's heat-absorbing capacity.

Finally, if your system has a permanent filter, it still needs periodic cleaning. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

• Clogged air filters diminish the efficiency of your air conditioner and heater
• Check filters monthly and replace as necessary

Outdoor Maintenance

Maintenance of your outdoor condensing unit is relatively simple if you follow a couple of rules. Keep the unit free of grass clippings and other debris, and trim foliage back to at least two feet from the unit to allow for adequate airflow around the condenser. On occasion, take the time to check the base pan under the unit and remove any debris you find. Debris can build here and prevent proper drainage underneath the unit.

If the condenser coils become dirty, you can rinse them with a garden hose. Be careful not to use too much water pressure as this can bend the fins. Should you have any bent fins, you can straighten them with a tool called a fin comb.

Before performing maintenance, turn off the 240-volt power at the appliance shutoff box. It's usually outside within sight of the outdoor unit. Some shutoffs simply pull out, while others have a handle to pull down or a fuse to remove. If there isn't one, turn off the power at the circuit breaker at the main panel that controls the outdoor unit.

• Keep foliage trimmed at least two feet from your condenser
• Rinse your condenser coils to keep them clean

Factors That Affect Cooling Costs

Efficiency: An air conditioner’s efficiency is rated according to its seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER, the lower the operating costs. A minimum SEER of 14 is recommended for air conditioning systems.

Your home’s age and condition: Newer homes are generally more energy efficient than older ones. As a home gets older, settling will cause some of that airtight construction to loosen up.

System operation: Consider raising your thermostat when you’re away. Multiple air conditioning units should be used for homes with two or more stories so you can gain more efficient control. Zoning systems provide greater efficiency and comfort by dividing the home into comfort zones, providing different temperatures for each zone.

Service and maintenance: In early spring, schedule a tune-up with a service professional to check operating efficiency and the refrigerant’s ability to cool. Low refrigerant could make the unit run more often and double your cooling costs.

Size: Ensure that your air conditioner is sized correctly for both comfort and efficiency. It's best to hire an HVAC professional to determine the proper sizing of your air conditioner equipment.

• Buy an air conditioner with a SEER rating of 14 or higher
• Have your system serviced annually

Cooling Tips

Saving electricity in the summer is a challenge when temperatures hover just below 100 degrees. But it’s not impossible. With a few no- to low-cost improvements around your home, you can stay cool and keep your electricity bills reasonable.

 

• Raise your thermostat to lower your electricity usage; for every degree below 78°F, expect an approximate five- to seven-percent increase in your cooling costs
• Set your thermostat to 81° or 82°F when you leave for work
• Use a clothesline to hang-dry laundry when feasible
• Make your air conditioner more energy efficient; caulking, landscaping and attic insulation are just a few of the ways to achieve this
• Consider high-efficiency cooling units; these generally cost more, but in our hot climate they’ll pay for themselves in a few years through reduced electricity usage
• Control the temperature of your home automatically with a programmable thermostat
• Run ceiling fans in a counter-clockwise rotation to cool occupied rooms and reduce AC use
• Keep the lids on pots when cooking, or use a microwave or slow cooker
• Set the temperature on your water heater to "warm"
• Raise your thermostat when you’re away from home
• Use ceiling fans to circulate air in rooms that have them
• Save even more by caulking, landscaping and insulating areas subject to heat gain and air leakage

Heating Tips

We’ve compiled a few tips and improvements to help you create a warm, cozy and energy-efficient environment and ensure that your home is prepared for cooler weather.

 

 

• Lower your thermostat to lower your electricity usage; for every degree above 68°F, expect an approximate three- to five -percent increase in your heating costs
• Lower your thermostat a few degrees if you are expecting visitors, as a crowd can quickly heat up the room
• Install a programmable thermostat that can automatically adjust the temperature based on a schedule you set
• Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill
• Place a dark rug in sunny areas of your house during the day to absorb the sun's heat
• Consider installing tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that still feel drafty after weatherizing
• Invest in C-shaped metal tube grates, which draw cool air into the fireplace and circulate warm air throughout the room
• Dress appropriately for the weather, and put an extra blanket on your bed on cold nights
• Change the rotation of your ceiling fan to clockwise, and set it at a low speed to force cooler air upward