How to Be Your Air Conditioner?s Best Friend

There are a few things you can do to take care of your air conditioner and make its life a little longer and a little easier.

How does your air conditioner work? Simply stated, an air conditioning unit removes heat from the air and blows it outside with an outdoor fan. An indoor fan pulls room air across an evaporator coil filled with refrigerant and transfers cool air into your home. Obviously, the movement of air by fans is a big part of the system. That's why it is so important to replace the filter at least once a month.

As dust is picked up, it is trapped on the filter, and you would be surprised how quickly the dust accumulates. Trying to pull air through a clogged filter just makes the fan work harder, raising your utility bill.

The same is true for the fan in the outdoor unit. Make sure the outside of the unit is away from shrubs and other vegetation growth, and keep the unit as clean and free of leaves and dirt as possible. Provide at least five feet of clearance at the top and two feet on all sides of the unit.

When using your air conditioning, the best method is to leave the temperature setting at one comfortable spot. The more you move the temperature up and down, the more work your system must do. If you must move the temperature setting, make the smallest movement possible.

Another way to prolong the life of your air conditioning unit is to operate your other appliances wisely. Dishwashers, washers, dryers and stoves all generate heat and humidity indoors. Try to schedule laundry and cooking during the mornings or evenings to avoid taxing your air conditioner in the heat of the day. Use an exhaust fan in the kitchen, and vent your clothes dryer outside to give your air conditioner a hand.

Sunshine is also an enemy of air conditioning. Keep drapes and shades pulled to prevent sunlight form streaming into rooms. Over 20 percent of your bill can be due to sunlight.

Also, make sure the drain your condensation drips into is clear. Pour a cup of regular laundry bleach down the drain once a month to kill algae and mold and keep the drain running smoothly.

Scott Ethridge is a senior air conditioning consultant with R.S. Andrews in Atlanta, Georgia.

---

Kitchen Remodeling Costs

It is important to prepare a budget for your kitchen... Read More

Inspecting your Swimming Pool

With the varied availability of swimming pool equipment and designs,... Read More

Fixer-Uppers: What To Fix

You've bought a house, a fixer-upper you can make some... Read More

3 Kinds Of Wood Used In Real Wood Furniture

Real wood furniture is the most popular furniture in existence.... Read More

Ceiling Fan Blades

A ceiling fan consists of three basic parts, namely the... Read More

Eclectic Patio Furniture Shows Your Style

Your home's interior is exquisitely decorated in your favorite style;... Read More

Pool Supplies Should Also Contain Safety

A swimming pool with attached spa has just been installed... Read More

Installing a Toilet

The installation of a toilet is a relatively easy job... Read More

Enjoy The Beauty Of Hardwood With The Endurance Of Laminate Flooring

Everyone likes the beautiful, timeless look of hardwood floors. Elegant,... Read More

Manhatten Paving-Asphalt Paving Seal Coats

Why should you even consider sealing your asphalt driveway?Seal your... Read More

Planning Your DIY Project

Ready to start your first serious DIY project? Read through... Read More

Small Cabin Plans - Finding a Great Log Cabin Plan Online

Small cabin plans - how do you find that special... Read More

Maintaining Your Hot Tub

Purchasing a hot tub is a big investment and one... Read More

Vinyl Replacement Window Terminology

With so many homeowners in the market for more energy... Read More

Mahoganys Beauty and Durability Makes it Ideal for Deck Construction

A couple of years ago I had the chance to... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Two Story Side Extensions - The Common Mistakes

Probably the most common type of residential extension is the... Read More

Remodeling Your Kitchen Cabinets

While remodeling your kitchen, install only the essential cabinets, so... Read More

Do You Know How To Use Window Coverings?

Window coverings serve an important role in your home, giving... Read More

Home Improvement for The Ladies!

Your Own Homes Improvement Outline(One for the Ladies)Let me begin... Read More

Hot Tubs: Without A Shadow Of A Doubt Guarantee Relaxation When You Dip Your Feet Into The Water!

A staple of healthy outdoor living, hot tubs equals to... Read More

How Stained Glass Can Add Elegance To Your Home

If there is one way to throw a new light... Read More

Log Home Basics

As we start to research log homes, it quickly becomes... Read More

Selecting the Right Air Compressor for Your Air Tool

An air compressor is used to power air tools such... Read More

Family Fun ? Is Swimming In A Safe Pool

Family fun is one of the most important things you... Read More

The Advantages of Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings

Steel is a remarkable material that has been steadily increasing... Read More

This Is Why People Should Consider Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are among the most beautiful things you can... Read More

Basement Waterproofing Advice

Basements need to be waterproofed for many reasons. Cracks in... Read More

How To Choose The Right Home Water Filters and Water Purifiers For Your Needs

When it comes to home water filters and water purifiers,... Read More

Selecting a Laminate Floor to Suite Your Needs

The traditional look of hardwood flooring is timeless; its beauty... Read More

Plastic Applied to the Picnic Table?

There are many styles of picnic tables on the market,... Read More

Concrete Cutting - Adding a Pre-Cast Concrete Stairway Bulkhead to Your Home

Installing a pre-cast concrete stairway to your home's basement is... Read More

How to Use Do-It-Yourself Toxic Mold Test Kits

VANCOUVER, CANADA. Many homeowners, landlords, renters, property managers, business owners,... Read More

Ridding Your Home of Geopathic Stress

Just as there are solar magnetic stresses that come from... Read More