Tips for Maintaining Your Air Conditioner
Like any appliance, your air conditioner or heat pump won’t last forever. Eventually, the wear and tear of continual use will take its toll on your unit. And, in the years leading up to your air conditioner’s demise, you will notice it becoming less and less energy efficient.
If you want to get several years of energy efficient cooling from your air conditioner, you will need to take steps to maintain it. Air conditioning maintenance is simple, cost-effective and takes very little time, but all too often, people neglect their air conditioner. These are the people who have to replace their unit every five years.
One of the best things you can do to help maintain your air conditioner is to remove the filter and clean it every month. The filter can become clogged with particles and reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner by 5-15%.
Once every six months or so, pass a stiff wire through your drain channels to clean out any debris. If these drains are clogged, they stop the unit from reducing humidity.
Coils, too, can become clogged with dust. Unplug the unit, and then use a vacuum cleaner to extract the dust from interior heat exchanges.
Eliminate holes in the seal between the air conditioner unit and the window frame.
If you have a portable air conditioner, you should place it into storage over winter. Don’t leave it plugged on or on standby.
Ensure furniture does not obstruct air conditioning vents. Forgo using bathroom and kitchen fans while the air conditioner is turned on. If you’re not in a room, close off a vent so the air conditioner isn’t wastefully cooling an empty room.
Avoid tasks like dishwashing until the end of the day, when it’s cooler.
If you paint your home in dark colour, it absorbs more heat. Use lighter colours for exterior walls and decorating.
Don’t buy an air conditioner that’s bigger than you need – you can always upgrade later if you need some more air conditioning in your home.
And, finally, you should always have your air conditioned checked and serviced by professionals. With continual care and maintenance, your air conditioner should last for at least fifteen years.
About the Author
“How Do They Do It?” Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS)
|
|
Bon Home DDR100WH Heat & Dry Dish Rack $99.95 Now you can dry dishes in approximately 10 minutes with the touch of a button. The first of its kind, the Heat and Dry Dish Rack is much faster and more sanitary than towel drying. The heated airflow dries dishes quickly and effortlessly with whisper quiet precision. This revolutionary appliance is ideal for drying baby bottles, fine china, silver, plastic ware, cookware and wooden cutting boards…. |
|
|
Onion strings outside window, Roscoff, Brittany, France Photo Mugs Onion strings outside window, Roscoff, Brittany, France. Copyrighted Work Onion strings outside window, Roscoff, Brittany, France Silverport Pictures… |
|
|
Kenmore HVAC Blower Motor K1864 Tech Specs: K1864 115, 1, 60 HP 1/3 48Y RPM 1075/3 370 – VAC SHAFT 5″ x 1/2″ Condition: NEW… |
|
|
Haendel: Saul [Hybrid SACD] $47.98 Pillow – Roll (Scribbles)… |
|
|
Superstars of the Eighties (1980-89) Hold Me Now – The Thompson Twins /Take It Easy On Me – Little River/Band / Down Under – Men At Work /TideIs High, The – Blondie /Power Of Love, The – Huey Lewis/The News /Love WillLead You Back – Taylor Dayne /Making Love Out Of Nothing At All – Air Supply /Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now – Starship /Slow Hand – The Pointer Sisters /Ride Like The Wind – Christopher Cross /Love Is A Battlefield – Pat B… |
|
|
Grain [RARE] $24.99 ****** LIMITED TO 600 COPIES PRODUCED ****** 1 Philip Samartzis Microphonics (18:20) |
|
|
Bionaire BW2300 Twin Window Fan with Remote Control $45.15 With a remote control for convenient adjustment, this double window fan draws in fresh, cool air from the outside or exhausts stale, hot air from inside. It can also do both simultaneously, because each of the two fans can be set independently to draw in or exhaust out, allowing the unit to exchange inside and outside air. Operable either manually or automatically–with its thermostat turning the … |
|
|
M-D Building Products 2311 High Density Foam Tape, 1/2-by-3/4-Inch by 10 feet, Gray $1.25 Airtight seal. Self adhesive. Color: Gray…. |
|
|
Surebonder 9600 Pneumatic Narrow Crown Stapler with Carrying Case $24.97 Lightweight, air-operated staple gun is easy to use on a number of projects. Accepts a variety of staple sizes for different applications. Operating PSI: 60 – 100, Fasteners Used: Staples, Fastener Sizes (in.): 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 1/2, 9/16, Fastener Capacity Per Strip: 100, Coil or Strip: Strip, Inlet Size (in.): 1/4, Min. Hose Size (in.): 3/8, Case Included: Yes, Tool Length (in.): 2.9, Tool Weight … |
|
|
FRAM CF10134 Fresh Breeze Cabin Air Filter $13.86 The FRAM Fresh Breeze cabin air filter is an easy to install air filter that both filters and deodorizes the air drawn into your vehicle, as well as improves available airflow critical to the efficient workings of air conditioning and heating systems. Designed utilizing the first of its kind mix of active carbon and baking soda woven i… |
|
|
7Eye Taku Sunglasses – Polarized $110.56 CLOSEOUTS . 7Eye Taku sunglasses not only feature polarized lenses to block glare, they also incorporate a special air dam to help shield eyes from wind and debris. Air dam provides added protection from wind, dust and debris Includes ballistic carry case, lens wipe and head strap Lenses: NXT(R) advanced lens technology for first-rate clarity and color management Polarized to reduce glare 100% UV protection Material: NTX(R) 66mm width Frame: Material: Composite 5-1_4" temple to temple Made in USA Visit our Sunglasses Buying Guide May include Panoptx case Available Colors: FIREBALL BLACK/GREY. |
|
|
Air Force Falcons Brown Framed Landscape Display Piece $36.99 No desk or mantle is complete without a favorite photo, and here?s a beautiful way to show it off and display some team spirit at the same time! Our newest Air Force Falcons frame holds a 4X6-photo with the mat and a 5×7-photo without the mat. Handcrafted in fine walnut, team loyalty is doubly displayed with the exquisite antique brass and hand painted enamel medallion mounted on the frame and the primary team/school color repeated in the matte. It?s a gift that grows more precious with time, and it?s available in a wide range of colleges and teams! Officially licensed by NCAA. |
|
|
Air Force Falcons Landscape Picture Frame $36.99 No desk or mantle is complete without a favorite photo, and here?s a beautiful way to show it off and display some team spirit at the same time! Our newest frame is horizontal and holds a 4X6-photo with the mat and a 5×7-photo without the mat. Handcrafted in fine walnut, team loyalty is doubly displayed with the exquisite antique brass and hand painted enamel medallion mounted on the frame and the primary team/school color repeated in the matte. It?s a gift that grows more precious with time, and it?s available in a wide range of colleges and teams! |
|
|
Alera(R) Epoch Series Mesh Mid-Back Multifunctional Chair, 44 7/10in.H x 18 9/10in.W x 18 1/8in.D, Black Frame, Black Fabric $429 Breathable mesh keeps the air flowing! Mesh back adds comfort, support and contemporary appeal. The curved mesh back adds a contemporary flair and keeps you comfortable, even when things start to heat up in the office. Tilt controls for optimal positioning. Lean back in comfort! Adjustable tilt tension lets you determine the amount of pressure required to lean back in your chair, while tilt lock lets you set the chair into its upright position. Adjustable armrests help relieve shoulder strain. The height- and width-adjustable polypropylene T-bar armrests provide a comfortable spot to rest your arms while you work. Helps alleviate muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. 1-touch seat-height adjustment for proper posture. With the help of a pneumatic lift, you can instantly raise or lower your seat cushion to the height that’s best for you. Experts advise that you sit with your thighs level with the floor and your feet resting flat for optimum comfort and blood flow. 5-star base offers a stable foundation. The black base includes casters for easy gliding from office to office. Chair also swivels for a complete range of motion for better multitasking. Designed for multifunctional use (up to 8 hours per day). Meets or exceeds ANSI/BIFMA Performance Standards. Chair has met quality standards for safety and durability established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA). Easy assembly instructions included. Measures 44 7/10in.H x 18 9/10in.W x 18 1/8in.D. Backed by the manufacturer’s 5-year limited warranty. |
|
|
Alpine Sport Dome Tent (Sleeps 3) $88.83 This Wenzel Alpine Sport Dome Tent sleeps three. It has a base of 8.5 feet x 8 feet, a center height of 4 feet, and an area of 49 square feet (vestibule 7 square feet). Door: Dutch “D” style. Floor: welded polyethylene. Frame: fiberglass. Stakes: steel. 3-pole pentadome tent with removable fly. Third pole creates vestibule for gear storage and weather protection. Shockcorded fiberglass frame and pole pockets for quick set up. Integrated mud mat with drainage strip keeps tent clean. Closeable mesh windows and front door for air circulation. Includes stakes, gear loft, hanging pocket and storage duffel. |
|
|
Audio-Technica Import ATH-AD500 Open-air Dynamic Headphone $99.95 Designed for incredibly comfortable listening. With a lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing and magnesium frame structure, this open-air headphone produce no sense of pressure on the ears, offering a completely natural listening experience. The self-adjusting wing support automatically adjusts to your head size. |
|
|
Audio-Technica Import ATH-AD700 Open-air Dynamic Headphone $125.99 With a lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing and magnesium frame structure, this open-air headphone produce no sense of pressure on the ears, offering a completely natural listening experience. The sound is smooth and relaxed, with deep resonating bass and vocal projection. The self-adjusting 3D wing support automatically adjusts to your head size for easy-wearing listening comfort. |
|
|
Balt Deluxe Floor Carrel, 48in.H x 32 3/4in.W x 24 1/2in.D, Black/Oak $317.33 Ideal for libraries, study halls, computer labs or anywhere student privacy is needed Metal connectors join the carrels in any size configuration. Additional carrels are sold separately. Panels are constructed from 3/4in.-thick high-pressure laminate for heavy-duty use. Work surface is large enough for a CRT or flat-panel monitor or a laptop computer. Work surface measures 29in.H x 31 1/2in.W x 23 3/4in.D. Retractable keyboard shelf measures 25 1/2in.H x 31 1/2in.W x 11 3/4in.D. Leveling glides included help keep the work surface even. Frame is made of black powder coated steel for superior durability. Assembly is required. Backed by the manufacturer’s 1-year limited warranty. GREENGUARD certified for healthier indoor air quality. Manufactured with reduced harsh chemicals and with processes that are ‘low VOC’ (low in volatile organic compounds). |
|
|
Balt Deluxe Floor Carrel, 48in.H x 32 3/4in.W x 24 1/2in.D, Black/Oak $270.14 Add additional student carrels for an extended workspace! Ideal for libraries, study halls, computer labs or anywhere student privacy is needed. Metal connectors join the carrels in any size configuration. Panels are constructed from 3/4in.-thick high-pressure laminate for heavy-duty use. Work surface is large enough for a CRT or flat-panel monitor or a laptop computer. Work surface measures 29in.H x 31 1/2in.W x 23 3/4in.D. Retractable keyboard shelf measures 25 1/2in.H x 31 1/2in.W x 11 3/4in.D. Frame is made of black powder coated steel for superior durability and includes leveling glides for stability. Assembly is required. Backed by the manufacturer’s 1-year limited warranty. GREENGUARD certified for healthier indoor air quality. Manufactured with reduced harsh chemicals and with processes that are ‘low VOC’ (low in volatile organic compounds). |
|
|
Balt Green-Rite Marker Board, 36in. x 24in., White Board/Black Frame $208 Porcelain steel dry-erase surface provides superior writability, erasability and color contrast Magnetic surface lets you post items on it with magnets (sold separately). Made from durable and long-lasting hardboard. Contains no added urea formaldehyde binders or adhesives, and is California Air Resources Board (CARB) exempt. Includes a Magnetic Q-Tray to store markers (sold separately). Framed in a smooth rounded black presidential trim with rounded plastic corners for safety. |