We are smack dab in the middle of the one of the hottest summers ever – with that has come many calls from folks requesting assistance to increase the efficiency of their air conditioning system. When it is 90+ degrees outside, air conditioners have to work over-time. In fact, you may notice that your home is not staying as cool as you would like during these sweltering, summer months.  For the next two weeks we will talk about  some ways that you can increase the efficiency of your air conditioning system – giving you a more comfortable home and a lower energy bill. Check out our first five ways to increase a/c efficiency:

1. The best thing you could do for your air conditioning system is to have it “tuned up” by an experienced HVAC professional.  They will check to make sure everything is working how it should, check coolant levels, clean the coils, etc… Regular air conditioning maintenance can improve the efficiency level of your a/c unit up to 40%. It will also help prevent future breakdowns, as I’m sure you know, can be extremely costly and always seem to happen at the most inopportune time.
2. Change your air filters regularly (every 1-2 months). We talk about this often, but for good reason. Keeping your air filters changed out will not only improve the efficiency of your system, but it will prolong the life of your equipment, lower your monthly bills and improve the air quality in your home or business. With so many benefits, it is really a must-do task. If your filters are dirty, your air conditioning unit will have to work harder to circulate air due to the blocked air flow. This can actually cause your unit to konk out, so be sure to keep your filters changed out.
3. Check the location of your dryer vent. If it is closer than ten feet from your unit, lint can find its way to your condenser coil and create problems – one being low efficiency.
4. Be sure there is no debris in the area of your outside unit. If plant growth has overtaken the equipment – prune it away. Your unit needs several feet of space to adequately do its job.
5. Keep your air conditioner’s coils clean. Most people do not know that dirty coils can actually decrease your a/c’s efficiency by up to 10%. Our certified specialists can do this job for you during a maintenance appointment.

Keeping your air conditioning system working at optimal levels is important for a comfortable, cool home during the summer. We hope these tips will be helpful to you. Be sure to check back next week as we continue this topic with more ways to keep your air conditioner working at its best.

For more information about Anchor Heating and Air Conditioning – give us a call at 770-942-2873 or contact us online: www.anchorac.com.