Summer is here, and the living is easy – as long as your air conditioner is working! Maintaining your air conditioner not only keeps you comfortable, it saves you money. On a national average, air conditioning accounts for about 15% of all energy used in some homes. During very hot seasons, it can account for 70% of a summer electric bill!
Once your air conditional begins to lose efficiency, the costs of operation increase. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to improve your air conditioner’s efficiency and performance! Here are tips to keep you cool:
1. Run a ceiling fan with your air conditioner. A ceiling fan will help circulate cool air, and allow you to run your air conditioner sparingly. You can set your thermostat by 4 to 8 degrees warmer if you operate your fan and air conditioner in tandem.
2. Install window drapes that prevent solar heat. Sunlight can increase a room temperature by 10 to 20 degrees!
3. Central air conditioners have filters that must be changed monthly.
4. Use a programmable thermostat to keep energy use to a minimum while you are away from home.
5. Turn your home thermostat fan switch from “auto” to “on” so that it runs 24/7! Why?
A). Your air will be filtered more often, thereby helping your lungs as well as reducing dusting and vacuuming.
B). There will be more even room temperatures on the first floor, and between the second floor and basement. This increases comfort, and there will be fewer hot and cold spots in your home.
C). The wear and tear on your blower and its bearing are actually reduced since the “start cycle” on any motor is where most “wear and tear” happens.
D). Energy usage for your HVAC actually is reduced slightly because the “start cycle” of every electric motor is where the peak amperage demand is. Once a blower motor is running it takes relatively little amperage to keep it spinning!
6. If you have a central air conditioning, keep the condensing unit outside clear for airflow. Do not let shrubs, trees or plantings encroach the unit; prune them back as needed. Periodically hose out any leaves.
7. Keep the drain system of your air conditioning unit clear of debris and clogs. Drainage problems will prevent proper cooling.
8. If your air conditioner isn’t producing cool air as it should, but nothing else seems amiss, the liquid refrigerant could be low or leaking. Call a professional repairman for this one.
For more information, visit energy.gov for air conditioner tips and troubleshooting pointers!
We hope this information helps you keep cool! And if you’re warming up to the idea of buying a Central Ohio home, we’ll be happy to help you!
As your Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we serve your best interests at all times! Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest at all times.
Understanding this distinction could literally save you thousands of dollars not only on the purchase price and terms, but also on seller concessions and home inspection issues, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner!
Contact us with your home buying questions! Remember, we are with you every step of the way…all the way home!
Andrew Show
Broker, CEBA, CEBA-M, CNE, CSP, ABR-M, e-PRO, GREEN
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services
Serving Metro Columbus, Ohio with Exclusive Buyer’s Agents
7100 North High Street, Suite 204, Worthington, Ohio 43085
614-888-4110 | 888-888-4110 Toll Free | 614-839-4110 Fax
