Air conditioning problems are common throughout the year. When you compare your energy bills to last year, you might notice that they're higher than usual. Keep reading to find out why you're spending so much on energy and how fixing your air conditioner can help reduce your monthly expenses.
Insulate Your Ducts
You can save money by insulating your ducts. Ducts are easily overlooked, but it makes sense to insulate them since they're an integral part of your heating and cooling system.
Insulating your ducts will help keep the air moving through them from getting too hot or cold, which can lead to energy loss. This can be done by wrapping the ducts in fiberglass batts or installing rigid foam insulation panels around the ducts.
Seal the Cracks and Gaps in Your Home
The first step to saving money on your heating and cooling costs is sealing all of the cracks and gaps around your home. This includes windows, doors, and any other openings that allow cold air to get inside.
Clean or Replace the Air Filter
The air filter in your air conditioner is designed to stop dirt and debris from entering your home, which keeps the system running smoothly and prevents damage to the unit. If an air filter becomes clogged or dirty, it can significantly reduce airflow through the unit.
If you have pets or small children in the house, they may track in dirt and other items that could clog up an air filter. Regularly inspect your filters for any signs of wear or tear before replacing them with new ones. Also, move furniture away from vents as much as possible so that they don't block airflow through them while they're running.
Clean the Outside Unit of Your Air Conditioner
If you've never cleaned the outside unit of your air conditioner, it's probably time to do so. The unit has a drain pan at the bottom that collects water from condensation. Leaves and other debris can clog this drain and cause water to back up into the evaporator coil. This can damage your air conditioner and lead to significant repair costs. Cleaning it out every year will save you money in the long run.
These home improvement projects can help you get more value out of your air conditioning system. Contact a home AC professional for help with these repairs and maintenance to make sure your system is running efficiently.
