What’s the Best Way to Run an Air Conditioner?

Now that temperatures are heating up and the summer season is right around the corner, many Americans are getting ready to switch on their AC units. But even though two-thirds of all U.S. homes have air conditioners, these families may not always be running their units efficiently. Wondering how to keep your air conditioner running its best this summer? Pay attention to the following tips.

• • Keep it running consistently: Some people think it may be better to shut off your AC unit when you're out of the house. If you're gone for a substantial period of time, that's certainly true. But if you're stepping out for 10 minutes, it's better to keep the temperature constant. Your AC services company will likely recommend that you set your thermostat at a constant temperature (one that's on the higher end) and keep the unit running on a fairly constant basis, rather than turning the unit off if it gets too cold and then switching it on again when your home heats up. That will actually end up saving you on energy costs, since your unit won't have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable.

 

• • Keep it clean: Without proper air conditioning maintenance, you can't expect your unit to run efficiently. It's really that simple. You'll need to change the filters as needed and ensure that the blades are free of debris. You'll want to clear off any leaves or dirt from the outdoor unit and ensure animals stay out in the winter, too. However, it can help to position your unit in an area near shady trees; as long as you keep branches and other concerns away, it can ease some of the stress on your unit.

 

• Keep up with repairs: Even if you're doing everything you can to protect your unit, you may find you have a need for local air conditioning repair. Staying on top of regular maintenance and inspections can allow you to catch problems quickly, thus avoiding steadily rising bills or more expensive replacements. After all, a broken air conditioner will have a lot more trouble running the way it should -- and it'll cost a lot more if you ignore potential problems. Make sure to invest in local air conditioning repair on a regular basis to eliminate the possibility that you'll have to deal with total breakdown during a heatwave.

If you follow these tips, your unit will be in great shape all summer long. To find out more about our local air conditioning repair services, please contact us today.