We’re all looking to save some money these days, and one of the best ways to do just that is to make the most out of what you already have. Major appliances tend to be a big investment, and aren’t always do when we may need them. Air conditioners are no different, whether you have a centralized system or a window unit. Today we’re going to go over a few simple steps you can take to help extend the life cycle of our air conditioner and help save some money on monthly bills in the process.
If you don’t have one already, you may want to look into installing a thermostat. Utilizing one will allow you to maintain an even and steady temperature, and if you go with a programmable thermostat, you’ll have the freedom to custom your cooling schedule.
If you’re using a central cooling system then you’ll want to check your air ducts for leaks and insulation. Any leaks should be sealed and any areas of the air ducts that travel through un-insulated parts of your home should have some kind of insulation. You don’t want the air heating up before it has a chance to get out of the air ducts.
Make sure you check and clean your air filters on a monthly basis, cleaning and replacing the filters when necessary. A dirty or clogged air filter causes your whole system to work harder and harder to achieve the same cooling results.
Also, be sure to keep the area around the air conditioning unit itself clear of debris and anything else that might block airflow. Generally speaking, you want to keep about a three-foot radius around the unit clear. Since most units are kept outside, you’ll want to make sure that there aren’t any bushes or weeds in the immediate vicinity.
And lastly, look into investing in fans. Having ceiling and other fans running during the day will help keep your home cool without using much electricity. All in all, there is a range of steps you can take to not only extend the life cycle of your air conditioner but to also help keep your monthly bills low in the process.
