Getting The Most From Your AC
Are you underutilizing your air conditioner (AC)? There is no need for buying a good AC and then failing to take advantage of all its features, or using it at its maximum efficiency. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your AC:
Ensure the Thermostat Is Reading the Room Temperature
Your AC works by reading the temperature of the room, which it does via the thermostat, and then adjusting its cooling power as necessary. If the detected room temperature is lower than the set temperature in the thermostat, the AC shuts down and lets the temperature rise. If the room temperature is higher than the set temperature, the AC keeps running until the target temperature is reached. This means anything that prevents the thermostat from reading the correct room temperature will interfere with the AC's operations. Here are some of the ways to ensure the thermostat is reading the right room temperature:
- Don't install the thermostat in the direct line of drafts that may affect its temperature reading
- Don't place heat sources, such as televisions or other electronic devices, near the thermostat
- Don't install a skylight directly above the thermostat since it may heat it up
Use Remote-Control and Programming Features
Most new AC's today come with smart or programmable thermostats. A smart thermostat is connected to the internet and you can control it from any location as long as you are logged into your account. These features can optimize your AC's performance and efficiency, but only if you use them. For example, you may be able to start cooling the house before reaching the house by turning the AC on remotely. This will help you avoid the energy inefficient habit (and an unhelpful one, at that) of setting a very low temperature with the hope of accelerated cooling.
Ensure Regular Maintenance of the System
Lastly, you should know that even the best and most energy efficient AC in the world won't be of much use to you if you don't maintain it properly. Regular maintenance is the only way to ensure every part of the AC is operating optimally. Here are some of the maintenance tasks you should never ignore:
- Cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils
- Ensuring the refrigerant level is always optimal
- Replace the filters regularly
- Ensure there are no air leaks in the ductworks
A broken down AC will not give you its best work even if you input the right settings. Therefore, have your AC diagnosed and fixed as soon as possible if you suspect a malfunction.
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