How to Protect Your Heat Pump from Snow & Ice
November 17, 2023
Hopefully, you’ve been periodically scheduling AC maintenance since your cooling system was first installed. However, even if you’ve let those yearly tune-ups slip, scheduling one during the spring or early summer will help prepare your air conditioner for the hottest time of the year.
Whenever your AC unit is running, the equipment is accumulating wear and tear. Over time, the components will begin to deteriorate, which will lead to its performance and energy efficiency declining significantly. When you bring in professional cooling technicians for a tune-up, they’ll make tweaks to the system, clean it out, and inspect for anything that could be hampering its ability to do its job effectively. Then, when you need to rely on your air conditioner during the sweltering summer, it will not only do a fantastic job of keeping you cool, but it will also run at peak efficiency.
Another effective way to improve your AC efficiency this summer is to make sure that your household air vents are clean and unobstructed. For your air conditioner to cool down the different parts of your home, it has to push air through each of your vents. However, contaminants like dust, dirt, and small debris can accumulate inside of those vents over time, and if enough of them build up, they can make it harder for your AC unit to circulate conditioned air. When that happens, the cooling system is forced to increase its air pressure, and that requires more energy being used.
Cleaning out your air vents is pretty quick and easy. You can use a screwdriver to remove the cover panels, and a vacuum cleaner extension hose should be effective at clearing out all of the contaminants. Make sure to clean every one of your home’s vents, and remember to repeat the task periodically throughout the summer and beyond.
Your AC unit’s air filter has the crucial task of trapping contaminants before they can be cycled into the appliance and circulated around your home. However, filters only have a certain amount of space for those particles before they become clogged. At that point, they can no longer do their job effectively. If your air conditioner’s filter becomes overly dirty or obstructed, the system’s airflow will be restricted, and it will have to work much harder to cool your home down. That extra strain on the equipment will directly result in more electricity being used, and your monthly bills will rise in price.
Fortunately, all you need to do to avoid a clogged air filter is be proactive about replacing it. The beginning of summer is an excellent time to switch the filter out for a new one, and ideally, you should be changing it regularly throughout the year. The general rule is that pleated filters should be replaced every 90 days and fiberglass filters every 30 days. That said, it’s also important to consider the specifics of your situation. For example, if you have pets in your home, their hair and dander will likely lead to your filters getting dirty more quickly. And, if you have small children or anyone who suffers from allergies living in your household, it’s wise to replace the filter more frequently for the sake of their health and comfort.
Your home’s air ducts are extremely important for the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner. They serve as the pathways for your cooling system to circulate conditioned air around your living space, and as long they’re clean and clear, that cool air will be distributed effectively. However, to keep your ductworks clean, you need to periodically schedule professional cleaning. Otherwise, substances like dust, dirt, mold, pollen, and dander will gradually accumulate, eventually making it difficult for your AC unit to push air through. The system will need to increase its air pressure to do its job, which will worsen its efficiency and performance.
In addition to removing any contaminants and obstructions, scheduling professional duct cleaning will also allow you to have your ductwork inspected for leaks or damages. Leaky ducts can be extremely detrimental to the health and efficiency of your air conditioner, and the sooner you’re aware of the problem, the sooner you can get the necessary duct repairs handled.
Most homeowners associate air leaks with allowing heat to escape, but they can allow cool air to escape as well. In truth, even tiny openings can lead to quite a bit of energy being wasted, as your AC unit is forced to run for much longer to compensate for the escaped air. These leaks can also be detrimental to household comfort and the health of your heating and cooling appliances. So, if you want to keep your air conditioner as efficient as possible this summer, take some time to locate and seal any air leaks around your household.
Usually, you’ll find these leaks around the edges of your home’s doorways and windows. If you aren’t seeing any gaps or cracks, try slowly feeling around the outside of each window and door with your hand. If you feel any streams of airflow, you’ll know that you’ve found a leak. Once you’ve located them, you can tightly seal the leaks using caulking and weather stripping from your local hardware store.
Give some of these A/C tips a try this summer and see how they work out for you. These small changes can make a significant difference in the energy you’ll end up using for your cooling needs. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also enjoy a more comfortable home. If you’re looking for a reliable cooling company in Southgate, then contact the experts at Flo-Aire Heating, Cooling & Electrical at (734) 285-1809.
Locally owned and operated in Southgate, MI since 1955, Flo-Aire Heating, Cooling & Electrical is one of the top heating & cooling companies in Southeast Michigan. Flo-Aire provides residential, commercial and industrial HVAC services throughout all of Metro Detroit.
