4 Easy Upgrades for Better Performance from your Air Conditioner
Before you buy a new air conditioner, consider trying these 4 upgrades.
Are you unhappy with the current performance of your air conditioner? Maybe it isn’t keeping your home cool, or maybe it’s putting out dusty or smelly air. Maybe you just aren’t pleased by how much it’s costing you to run your air conditioner each month. In any case, before you throw in the towel and buy a whole new air conditioner, try making one or more of these 4 easy upgrades to get better performance from your current air conditioner.
Clean Your AC System
The first thing to try is a thorough cleaning of your air conditioner and possibly your ductwork as well. Definitely remove the filter and clean or replace it. A dirty filter can not only result in odd smells, but also reduce the overall efficiency of your unit by restricting airflow. Also try cleaning off the condenser coils so that they can transfer heat more efficiently. Check your drain lines for blockages and the inside of your AC unit for mold or mildew issues. Finally, consider getting a professional duct cleaning and/or duct sealing to help with overly dusty or dirty air.
Get Better Window Treatments
If you are having trouble with uneven cooling and/or high energy bills, consider investing in window treatments to protect west-facing windows from the sun. By blocking out solar heat from western exposures, you can drastically reduce the need for cooling in those spaces. This will keep the AC system from turning on too frequently and help relieve hot spots.
Get a Dehumidifier
All air conditioners naturally work as dehumidifiers, but in some cases they can benefit from a little extra help. By getting a dedicated dehumidifier, you can lower the level of moisture in the air to make it feel cooler. This will allow you to set your thermostat lower and save energy.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
If your main complaint about your air conditioner is operating cost, you should definitely consider getting a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to tailor your AC use so that the system isn’t working hard when you’re not at home to enjoy it. For example, you can set the system to stay at 72°F during the hours you’re usually at home, let temperatures rise while you’re at work, and then turn back on a few hours before you come home. Some programmable thermostats let you set up a different profile for each day of the week to perfectly accommodate your schedule.