| If you could put more money in your pocket, this | | | | Condenser coils and fins (outside) are also vulnerable |
| summer, would you? Well, you can, by lowering your | | | | to dirt - from debris and leaves falling from trees, cut |
| cooling bill. Chances are, it's higher than it needs to be. | | | | grass kicked up by the lawnmower, and lint from a |
| You'll be surprised at what you can save. No sacrifice | | | | nearby dryer vent - so, check the condenser unit at |
| required. Check out these quick and easy | | | | the beginning of the cooling season. Cut the power |
| maintenance tips that can put you on your way to | | | | to the unit and use the following checklist: |
| lower bills in no time. | | | | * Gently remove any debris from top and sides. |
| Quick Facts About Your Central AC | | | | * Sweep the concrete pad. |
| Your central air conditioning (AC) system circulates | | | | * Prune back any overhanging leaves (2 feet is the |
| cool air through your house through supply and return | | | | minimum recommended clearance; 5 feet overhead). |
| ducts (often the same ducts used for heat in the | | | | * Use a soft brush to sweep the fins. |
| winter). A typical central AC system has an | | | | * (Optional) Spray the fins with a gentle household |
| evaporator, condenser and compressor in a single | | | | cleaner; let it sit for 5 minutes, then gently hose |
| cabinet located outside the house (usually on a | | | | them down pointing the spray into the interior |
| concrete slab right next to it), or alternately, a | | | | through the fan opening. |
| condenser and compressor outside and an | | | | * Keep the unit free of dirt and debris throughout |
| evaporator in a separate cabinet, inside (usually in the | | | | the season. |
| basement or crawl space). Both systems have a | | | | * If you can shade your unit (without blocking |
| blower that forces indoor air through the coil of the | | | | airflow), even better: the shaded air around your |
| evaporator where it's cooled, dehumidified, and sent | | | | system will be cooler, and a properly shaded system |
| through the ductwork into the house. The heat | | | | can operate up to 10 percent more efficiently over |
| collected by the evaporator is transferred to the | | | | the course of the season. |
| condenser (outside) to dissipate. | | | | Keeping your evaporator and condenser coils free of |
| Change the Air Filter | | | | dirt and debris can improve your system's |
| This is the most important thing you can do to help | | | | performance by as much as 10 percent. Just be |
| keep your system working at peak efficiency. The | | | | careful with those fins. They're a little fragile and |
| air moving across the evaporator is cleaned before it | | | | easily bent. It's best to use a special tool called a fin |
| gets there by a filter located in the return air duct | | | | comb to straighten them. Those are available through |
| (usually within easy reach in a wall or ceiling, or at the | | | | your local home center or online. Be sure to buy the |
| air conditioner itself). Filters get dirty and clogged | | | | correct comb for the number of fins per inch your |
| through regular use; the dirtier they get, the less air | | | | unit has. |
| gets through the system. The dirty air that gets | | | | Other Simple Steps to Savings |
| through is carried right to the evaporator. Dirt sticking | | | | * Anything that obstructs the flow of air through |
| to the evaporator coil further impedes air flow, | | | | your system reduces its efficiency and drives up |
| reduces the evaporator's ability to absorb heat and | | | | your bill -- keep your registers clear of furniture, |
| can reduce your system's efficiency by as much as | | | | drapes and other obstructions. |
| 10 percent. Not to mention, that dirty air is circulated | | | | * Keep all exterior doors and windows closed when |
| right back through your house. | | | | operating the system. |
| Air filters are made by a number of manufacturers | | | | * Raise your temperature setting. Raising the setting |
| and come in a variety of types and efficiencies. | | | | even 1 degree can lower your bill by as much as 9 |
| * Most residential systems use 1-inch or 2-inch flat or | | | | percent over the course of the season. |
| pleated fiberglass "throwaway" filters (thicker filters | | | | * Keep your system set on "AUTO" and let your |
| may hold more dust but are not necessarily more | | | | thermostat do its job. If you find you need to run |
| efficient). | | | | the fan constantly to keep cool, it's time to call a |
| * There are also "permanent" type filters: mesh, | | | | technician. |
| electrostatic and electronic, some with pre-filters that | | | | * Set your system to recirculate the indoor air (if |
| collect larger dust particles. | | | | you have the option) rather than drawing outside air. |
| * If you or a family member suffers with allergies or | | | | Conditioning the warmer outside air takes far more |
| sensitivity to dust or other particulates (i.e., tobacco | | | | energy than simply recirculating the already |
| smoke, pollen or pet dander), consider using a High | | | | conditioned household air. |
| Efficiency Particulate Air Filter, also known as a HEPA | | | | * A little money spent could equal a lot of money |
| filter. These are specially constructed filters that allow | | | | saved: have a qualified service technician check your |
| a high volume of air to pass through them while | | | | system at least once a year. The technician will |
| stopping even very tiny particles. | | | | measure your refrigerant to see if it needs |
| * If you have any question about the right filter for | | | | recharging, inspect your coils, measure air flow over |
| your system, don't guess; check with a professional | | | | the cooling coil, and will do a thorough inspection of |
| service technician. | | | | the motor, compressor, air handler, and ducts (and of |
| Whatever type of air filter you use, inspect it and | | | | course, the air filter). The technician can spot |
| either clean it or replace it about once a month during | | | | potentially costly problems early or help you avoid |
| peak cooling season or more often if you're living in | | | | them entirely. |
| dusty conditions or with pets. Never run your system | | | | For Owners of Older Houses |
| without the filter in place. | | | | If you're still using a central air conditioning system |
| Clean Evaporator Coils and Fins | | | | manufactured during the 1970s, you're likely using |
| Even if you regularly change your air filter, dirt will still | | | | 30-50 percent more energy than a more recently |
| accumulate on the evaporator over time. Check your | | | | manufactured unit would use. Even if your unit is only |
| evaporator coils at least once a year and clean them | | | | ten years old, replacing it with a new, more efficient |
| if necessary, using a vacuum cleaner with brush | | | | unit can save you 20-40 percent in cooling costs. |
| attachment, careful not to bend the fins. | | | | Over the life of the unit, that's considerable savings, |
| Clean Condenser Coils and Fins | | | | especially with energy costs continuing to rise. |