Warm days can feel unbearable without a strong air conditioning system. Yet many of us consider these essential devices for granted. “The only time that people pay attention to their air conditioner is when it doesn’t work,” says Jeffrey Siegel, a civil engineering professor at the University of Toronto who is researching ventilation and indoor air quality.
That is a mistake: taking good care of your AC can ensure that it offers sufficient air flow, controls humidity, is energy efficient and lasts as long as possible. “An air conditioner who is not properly maintained will not offer the same level of comfort” if that is, Siegel says.
This is how experts propose to coordinate your AC so that it works optimally.
Change the filter
There is no universal comparison that determines exactly how often you have to change your AC filter, which means that particles in the air such as dust, pollen and other pollutants catches. Manufacturers usually recommend replacing every three months, and that works as a first target, says Siegel – but the frequency may have to be adjusted based on your home environment. Check the next time you change yours, how dirty it is. “When I look at my filter, it is covered with cat hair,” he says. “If I changed it when the manufacturer said he would change it, I would have gone beyond time when I should have to Change it. “
There are two major consequences to not change your filter often enough, Siegel adds: it reduces the air flow, which causes the efficiency and power of the device to offer comfort. In addition, when the filter gets really dirty, the air starts to find paths around it, instead of going through it – who call HVAC experts ‘bypass’. “It won’t treat that much air, so there are certainly worries about air quality,” he says.
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When AC filters become particularly dirty, allergens, fungal traces, bad scents and other things that no one wants to breathe in the house can activate or aggravating a series of lung conditions, Dr. Mahmoud Moammar, a pulmonologist with Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, Calif. Asthma and chronic bronchitis, “he says.” It can greatly influence their health. “
Consider upgrading your filter
Air filters are assessed on the basis of the Merv system, which stands for the value of the minimum efficiency reporting value and measures how well they can catch particles from the air. The scale goes from 1 to 20; The higher the number, the more efficient its filtration. Filters with a lower efficiency are cheaper and do not have to be changed that often because they do not remove so much junk from the air, says Siegel. In general, however, he prefers to use a filter that is at least a Merv 13, which helps to guarantee good, healthy air quality.
Clean up around the outdoor unit
Before you go up your AC before the summer, ensure that you do some maintenance to the area around the outdoor unit. That means removing weeds, bushes, sticks, grass furniture and everything else that is possible in the winter, says Richie Drew, vice -president of operations on one hour of heating and air conditioning in Myrtle Beach, SC “You need enough space – a few feet around the unity – says to breathe well,” he says. “If the bushes are entitled to it, it can’t do what it should do.”
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Also check the basis of the unit: dirt can settle underneath, making the whole thing uneven, which leads to performance problems and major repairs on the road, says Drew. Use a snake with moderate water pressure (no power ring) to spray the whole thing down, allowing spider webs or other detritus to collect. “Everything that hinders the air flow will ensure that your unit works harder,” he says.
Remove the coverage
Most AC units are resistant to all types of hard weather, so the use of coverage during the low season is not necessary. Yet some people still choose to cover theirs. If you are one of them, don’t forget to remove it. “If there is one thing, you have to make sure that you do every season before you start running your air conditioner, it is that if you place a cover about that unit in the winter, you remember that you did that,” says William Bahnfleth, a professor in architecture technology and an indoor special quality at the PNN Odate University. Otherwise the device cannot function properly without the correct air flow, which can lead to overheating and a whole series of other problems, including caught moisture.
Clean or replace clogged condensate discharges
Condensation disposals are important because they remove extra moisture that is produced during the cooling process. “Condensation is a natural by -product of how an air conditioner functions,” explains Robert Weitz, founder of RTK Environmental Group, an independent company that tests indoor air quality. “It costs warm air and then creates cold air out, so you are going to have a normal amount of condensation, which are only water droplets.” Those water craps have to go somewhere, so they go through a condensate drain.
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To check your AC, look for the drain line that runs from the interior to the outdoor unit. If you see a lot of water dripping out or pools around the device, or if the condensation pan is full, you may have a blockage. Some people can solve the problem themselves by using a wet/dry vacuum, in addition to other steps; If that sounds discouraging, your best bet can engage an HVAC professional, Weitz advises.
Reconciling your usage habits
Many people run their AC units more than is actually necessary. “The best way to save energy is to eliminate something,” says Bahnflth. In addition, the less you use your AC, the longer it will take. He has been given the habit of opening his windows when he rises at 6 am and to let the outside air keep the house comfortable for as long as possible. “I think we can all learn how to use our systems effectively,” he says. “It is surprising how many days the cooling never needs to be switched on, and that will also give you a better air quality.”
Consider to call in a professional
One of the most important things to do at the start of the AC season is to solve everything that is wrong with your unit, says Bahnfleth. In some cases that will be clear: you will be irritated by weird or loud sounds and smells, notes that your energy bill has been raised or spotting drawing of a leak. And of course: “You will probably notice that it is just too hot or damp,” he says.
Even if your AC does not seem broken, it may be worth watching an HVAC contractor. Most experts recommend planning an annual inspection: these technicians are trained to look for problems and to ensure that your unit works as efficiently as possible. “If they are good, they will do a few things,” says Siegel. For example, they will clean up the outdoor area of the device if you haven’t done that yet; Check all parts inside for overall cleanliness; And level the air flow.
Regular maintenance is the key to ensure that you can stay cool if necessary, says Bahnfleth. “Once a year to have your entire system checked out is a pretty good starting point, because many people simply do not do any maintenance,” he says. “That is really the biggest problem. It is not that systems are not well designed – but if they are not maintained, they will not do what they have to do.”
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