Keeping your Sugar Land home cool without breaking the bank can be a challenge during the long, hot Southeast Texas cooling season. Here are some easy and inexpensive ways you can improve A/C efficiency to lower your cooling costs while staying comfortable all summer long.
Schedule A/C Maintenance
The most surefire way to increase the efficiency of your air conditioner is to have it tuned up by a qualified HVAC professional from a reputable contracting company. Annual preventive maintenance includes tightening belts and electrical connections, flushing the condensate drain, removing dust from the system’s interior and testing the electric controls of the system. A professional inspection and tune-up will also help prevent common operating problems during the hottest summer months, extend the operating life of your system and reduce your cooling bills and carbon footprint.
Stock Up on Air Filters
A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of air conditioner breakdowns, and greatly reduce the efficiency and longevity of your system. It’s essential to inspect your filter every month and replace it with a good-quality clean one to ensure optimum airflow, prevent dust from coating and damaging essential components and maintain good indoor air quality.
Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks around doors, windows, baseboards, recessed lighting fixtures and service entrances make your air conditioner work harder to keep your home’s air cool. You can considerably improve A/C efficiency by sealing air leaks with caulk and weatherstripping to ensure a tightly sealed home that ensures cool air stays inside and hot air stays outside.
Seal and Insulate Ductwork
Leaky ducts may result in up to 40 percent of the air inside escaping before it can make it to your rooms, meaning you’re paying a lot of money to keep crawlspaces, basements and attics cool. Sealing loose joints with metal tape or mastic duct sealant and insulating ducts that run through unconditioned spaces will greatly increase your air conditioner’s efficiency and lower your cooling costs.
For more expert advice about ways to improve A/C efficiency this summer, contact us in the Sugar Land area at ACS Absolute Comfort.
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