5 Things All Lorian Homeowners Need to Know About Air Conditioning

Air conditioners make hot summer days in the Lorain area tolerable through a combination of removing heat from your home, reducing humidity and filtering the air. By learning a few points about air conditioning, you can help your system do these jobs efficiently.

Air Conditioners Require Regular Maintenance

Dirty coils, clogged air filters or improper refrigerant levels can dramatically reduce the performance of your air conditioner. At least once a year, you should have a qualified HVAC contractor inspect the system and perform routine maintenance. This will prevent system problems in the future and keep your cooling bills more reasonable.

Air Filters Must Be Changed Often

A dirty air filter can not only reduce the efficiency of your system, but it can also lead to system damage and poor indoor air quality. The air filter should be inspected at least once a month and changed when it’s dirty or clogged. For better indoor air quality, choose air filters with a higher MERV rating or consider installing either electrostatic or HEPA filters.

Air Ducts Are Important for Efficiency

Leaking air ducts are known to account for up to 40 percent of the energy used for cooling or heating in many older homes. Periodically, have the ductwork inspected by an HVAC professional to make sure that it’s properly sealed and insulated.

Air Conditioners Reduce Humidity

As hot indoor air is blown over the cool refrigerant in the evaporator, moisture in the air is drawn out to condense on the coils. In order for your system to dehumidify correctly, this moisture must be able to drain away from the coils. Be sure to routinely check the condensate drain for clogs, and clean it when necessary.

Extra Heat Increases Cooling Costs

By reducing the amount of heat generated in your home you can save money. Avoid using heat-producing appliances like the dishwasher or clothes dryer during the day. Turn on exhaust fans when bathing or cooking and use curtains or shades to block the summer sun.

To learn more about your air conditioning system, talk to our experts at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioning and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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