Tips For Improving The Efficiency Of Your AC Unit

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The more your AC system has to run, the higher your AC costs get. Buying a highly efficient AC unit will help to keep your AC costs low, but over time dirty coils and leaky ducts can cripple your system. When it comes to basic maintenance, you should be able to tackle problems on your own. Not only will your efforts help you to save money on your monthly cooling costs, but they will also prevent your system from wearing out prematurely. 

Dirty Coils

In a central-air system, your condenser coils are located outside your house typically near ground level. This position leaves them exposed to the elements, and they can get clogged with falling leaves, dust, yard debris, garbage, etc. As junk builds up on the coils, the airflow through the coils is impaired. In some cases, the build-up can be so bad that it cuts off airflow completely. A loss of airflow can cause your system to use up to 37% more energy than it should. Thus, you should inspect your coils regularly, and clean them when necessary. 

To clean your coils, you need to do the following:

1. Remove the wire grid that protects the coils.
2. Use a wet/dry vac to remove loose material.
3. Spray your coils with a coil cleaner. The cleaner should sit for a few minutes so that the solvents in the cleaner have time to break down the grime on your coils 
4. Use a stiff-bristle brush to scrub the grime off. Don't use too much pressure so that you don't damage the delicate metal fins that make up your coils.
5. You may choose to rinse the coils with a gentle stream of water from your hose.
6. Replace the protective grid.

Leaky Ducts

Your duct system can develop leaks over time, and these leaks can rob your system of up to 30% of its efficiency. If you suspect that your ducts are leaking, you can buy duct mastic and paint it over the joints and seams in your system. This is an inexpensive way to ensure that your ducts are not driving up your cooling costs and increasing the wear and tear on your AC unit. 

Coils and exposed ducts are easy enough to maintain as long as you know what you are doing. Even if you are not handy with tools, you should be able to complete either task. If you want to keep your cooling costs low and forestall the need for repairs, you should take at least these two steps to maintain your system. If you need professional assistance, visit Mike Kearsley's All Service.

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20 July 2015