Three Keys To Optimizing AC Performance
Posted on: 17 July 2015
To achieve the optimal performance from an AC unit, you have to do more than change your filter from time to time. In fact, to get the best performance from your AC unit, you have to be willing to maintain it, enhance it, and ensure that it has to run as little as possible. With a strategic approach to cooling your home, you get a system that runs with high efficiency and, thus, saves you money.
Maintenance for An AC Unit
Changing a filter will help to improve airflow through your filter, but if you do nothing to care for your coils, you will still have a problem with airflow. The problem is that the condenser coils located on the outside of your home, are exposed to the elements and can get very dirty. The dirtier they get, the more restricted your airflow will be. Ultimately, a wall of gunk on your coils will stop airflow altogether. In the end, dirty coils can reduce your system's efficiency by up to 37%. Run a wet/dry vac over your coils to suck up debris and grime and keep them running efficiently.
Enhancing Your AC System with Shade
As the sun beats down on your AC coils, it will heat up the fins that make up the coils. As these fins heat up, they lose their ability to cool the refrigerant running through them and your condenser fan has to first cool the fins before they can be effective. By planting a tree, you can shield your coils from the sun. Moreover, through the process of evapotranspiration, trees will cool the air in your yard. A high volume of cool air will help to cool refrigerant as quickly as possible. Thus, a tree can enhance the efficiency of your system.
Rest Your AC
The more your AC unit runs, the higher your cooling costs will be. By using a cool roof and window films, you can decrease solar heat gain and thus keep your home cooler during the day. Replacing your roof represents a high costs, so you should wait until your present roof exceeds its lifespan, but window films are inexpensive enough that you should be able to install them right away.
A proactive homeowner can greatly reduce cooling costs. While it would be nice if your system would run optimally without any effort on your part, the truth is that if you want to keep your cooling costs down, you have to take steps to optimize the function of your AC system. For more information, contact a professional like Advanced Heating & Air Inc.
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