Having an air conditioner, either a window unit or a central air unit, is something many people are used to. In fact, you may be so accustomed to this comfort that you don't think about the way you operate it. You probably set the thermostat and flip the switch to either auto or fan and let things work on their own. If this is the case, you could be doing a few things that are affecting your bills and even your health. Here are three of those things and what you need to do to change those actions.
Running the Fan Instead of Auto
One of the actions you may be doing with your air conditioner is running the fan instead of auto setting. There is a misconception that this will reduce the amount of energy used. The truth is that the auto setting is actually best for more reasons than just your power bill. If you run your auto setting, you can reduce the wear and tear on your system, and you can allow your system to rest which may prevent issues with the cooling system. By running the fan, you are never giving your system the break it needs, and your system is on, even with the temperature in the house is regulated.
Ignoring Regular Filter Changes
If you own an air conditioning unit, you know it is recommended to change the air filters on a routine basis. The truth is, you probably aren't changing them routinely and only changing them when they become noticeably clogged or dirty. If this seems to be your pattern, you should consider setting a reminder and changing the filters routinely. This simple action can help reduce allergens in the home, but it can also reduce wear and tear on the system itself. Clogged filters cause the system to work harder to pull air, since it is having to work through the dirt and debris caught in the filter. By keeping the filters clean, you can ease the workload on your system and maintain it for longer.
Making the AC Do All the Work
One action that you may be doing is making the air conditioner do all the work. There are ways that you can help ease the workload on your air conditioner unit, other than just changing the filters. Consider covering windows with protective decorative films that help reduce heat entering the room during the summer months. You still have the beauty of natural sunlight without the increased heat that causes your unit to work harder. You can also consider ensuring that the insulation is up to date in the home and that you are using energy-efficient window treatments like blackout curtains to reduce hot and cold air from entering the area.
For more information, contact Air-Max Air Conditioning Pty Ltd or a similar company.
