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

The post Keep Your Columbus Home Cool with these Air Conditioner Tips! appeared first on Columbus Ohio Real Estate | Buyer's Resource Realty Services.

Remove Pest Magnets
You might not think of them as pest magnets, but yard waste, tools, toys, lumber, and ladders outside your Columbus, OH area home may attract them. Spend an hour circling the outside and detailing anything not in its proper place or items touching the siding. Donate, discard, or store items you’ve removed from your yard and you won’t have the headache of pest removal later when the weather is not so nice.

Firewood is a common hiding place for pests and while it may fit nicely on the side of your home, it creates a home for spiders and invites them inside yours. So, if you burn firewood make sure it’s stacked neatly away from the home. Also, cleaning out underneath of your deck frees up any comfy spaces that may look promising to outdoor critters like raccoons and rodents.

Treat the Lawn
One of the first things you may have noticed when buying a house in Columbus is the front yard or curb appeal— so take care of yours now. The best thing you can do for your lawn is to mow frequently and set your blades high. It will train the grass to grow in thickly, discourage weeds from growing. And don’t forget to edge the curb, sidewalks and driveway for that crisp look!

Clean Sink Drains
It’s best to take care of your plumbing now as opposed to the coming months. If you have a slow-draining sink, take care of it now. You can clear the blockage with equal parts baking soda, vinegar and salt followed by hot water, or if that doesn’t work— clean out the U-shaped trap under the sink. You should also take the time now to check for leaky faucets and install new fixtures or gaskets if necessary.

There’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy, but by ensuring your Columbus area home is up to par, you’ll have more time to relax and less home projects and maintenance to worry about as we press on toward the cooler months. Not a homeowner yet? Let Buyer’s Resource Realty teach you the ins and outs of Buying a Home Like a Pro with our FREE e-book so you’re prepared when the time comes to start your home search and find the perfect homes available in Ohio.

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

www.BuyersHome.com 
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