When we install a new air conditioning system in your home, there are ways to help improve its performance from day one. Taking care of your AC will prevent unnecessary repairs and keep your utility bills under control. You can make the new AC installation in your Easton, Maryland, home run more smoothly with these six strategies.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Maintaining your new AC starts with managing the temperature in your home. A programmable thermostat provides you with more control over every detail of home comfort and can help extend your unit’s lifespan. For instance, many modern Carrier and Trane thermostats will adjust themselves based on outdoor temperatures so your AC doesn’t work any harder than necessary.
Programmable thermostats can also help make your home more energy-efficient. For instance, you might program different temperatures during the hours you spend at work so you’re not cooling the air in an empty house.
Keep Your Air Filter Clean
You can either replace your disposable air filter every two or three months, or install a washable air filter that you can clean and return to the unit. Either way, inspect your air filter every 30 days or so to make sure it isn’t clogged with dirt, dust, and debris. You might need to clean or change the filter more often if you have pets or a large family.
Leave Doors Open
Interior doors should stay open as often as possible to promote air flow. When you shut doors — or worse, close heating and air conditioning vents — your new AC will have to work harder to keep your home at the desired temperature. Furthermore, you’ll notice temperature differences between rooms, so you might feel compelled to raise or lower the thermostat temperature to improve indoor comfort.
Keep Your Landscaping in Check
Leaves, branches, and other outdoor debris can reduce your exterior AC unit’s functionality, especially during the spring when pollen starts to fall. Have your lawn mowed and your hedges trimmed on a regular basis, and use a leaf blower to remove any debris that accumulates around the unit.
Avoid leaving lawn furniture, children’s toys, or other items around the unit. A strong wind can pick up small objects and damage the air conditioner, so keep your lawn clean to protect it. Additionally, don’t plant flowers, trees, or bushes right next to the unit. Leave a foot or so of space on all four sides to maximize air flow.
Seal Any Cracks
If you see gaps around doors or windows, use weather-stripping tape to seal them so air can’t escape. Similarly, use caulk to seal openings around baseboards, ceiling light fixtures, bathtubs, vanities, and counters. The tighter you can make your home, the less money you’ll lose every month to escaping air.
You can also educate your family members on energy-efficient lifestyle habits. Closing exterior doors as quickly as possible, for instance, will prevent air from escaping. If your kids like to play with the thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable unit that features a key lock so only an adult can change the temperature.
Maintaining your new AC installation will ensure that it serves you well for years to come. For further protection, sign up for our convenient maintenance plan by calling Griffith Energy Services at 888-474-3391.
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