Advance Air Offers Tips to Stay Cool All Summer

Did you know that almost half of your utility bill is from cooling your home?

With summer just around the corner, soon consumers will run the air-conditioning around-the-clock to stay comfortable.

“If your AC systems isn’t ready for summer, it could cost you a lot in energy savings and lost efficiencies,” says Bill Blaze, president of Advanced Air. “So, get ready – here are five simple steps to help prepare your AC for the warmer summer months,” he promises.

Changing the filters monthly is the easiest air-conditioning maintenance you can do. Simply unscrew metal panel on the face of the blower unit, remove the old filter and install the new one. Reusable filters should be cleaned with a combination of white vinegar and water and allowed to air dry before reinstalling.

According to Blaze, replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.

Cleaning the pipe that carries condensation away from your air conditioner will prevent a messy problem and a big repair bill. Locate the where the pipe drains out and make sure it is draining properly. If not, use an algaecide (find at local pool supply stores) to clean the pipe.

Installing a programmable thermostat can help you gain significant energy savings by setting it to reduce the use of air conditioning at times when you don’t need it.

Cleaning the coils on the outside unit keeps your AC running smoothly. Disconnect the power and spray down the outside of the unit with a garden hose to remove any collected dust, mud and other debris (especially if you don’t use a cover).

Cleaning the fins on the outside of the unit will help your AC run better. Use a soft brush (toothbrush works well) and gently run the brush across each fin, being careful not the bend the thin metal.

When your air conditioner needs more than regular maintenance, hire a professional service technician to find and fix problems in your AC system. These tasks include checking refrigerant level, testing for refrigerant leaks, seal duct leakage, measure airflow through coil and check accuracy of thermostat.