Tips for Taking Care of Your Air Conditioner in the Summer

Taking care of your air conditioner during the summer is important to ensure that it runs efficiently, saves energy, and has a longer lifespan. Here are some tips on how to take care of your air conditioner in the summer:

1. Schedule an Annual Tune-Up: It is recommended that you invest in an annual tune-up before the hot weather arrives. A tune-up will include tightening all electrical connections, lubricating fans, cleaning the system, checking the coolant levels, and diagnosing any issues that may arise. A tune-up will improve the energy efficiency of your air conditioner and help avoid major breakdowns.

2. Change the Air Filter: Your air conditioner moves air through your home in a regular cycle, and before the air returns to your air handler, it goes through an air filter. As the air filter fills with allergens and dust, it gets clogged up, which limits the airflow moving to the handler and causes your system to strain and run inefficiently. Extend the life of your air conditioner and keep its energy efficiency at peak performance levels by changing the air filter regularly.

3. Clean the Return Air Ducts: Duct covers that are clogged with lint, dust, and dirt block airflow and force your system to work harder, shortening its lifespan while harming its efficiency. Vacuum these ducts every time you clean the room to ensure that there is adequate airflow reaching your HVAC unit.

4. Check the Pipe Insulation of Your Air Conditioner: Inspect the insulation covering the coolant pipes each summer, and replace them if necessary to keep the air conditioner running efficiently.

5. Pay Attention to the Ductwork: Even the ductwork in new homes can be dirty, as construction debris and dust naturally collects inside them. When the air turns on, fine particulates drift into the home and lower your indoor air quality. They also drift back through your air conditioner system on the return air side and start to hamper airflow. Have the ducts professionally cleaned as needed to improve indoor air quality and make your system more energy efficient.

6. Give Your Wiring an Inspection: Check the wiring in the condensing unit for any signs of overheating or wear. If you see scorched, frayed, or damaged wires, call a professional to repair the damage.

7. Clean the Outside Compressor: The coils can get dirty, which means they will struggle to absorb heat effectively. You can clean the evaporator and condenser coils with a garden hose, but be careful to not get any electrical connections wet. Remove any grass, weeds, or old leaves from the winter that accumulate near your air conditioner and avoid landscaping within two feet of the unit.

8. Give Your System a Break: Going easy on your air conditioner will keep your monthly energy bills low. Upgrade to a smart thermostat, use fans, close blinds, and turn off lights when not in use. This will reduce the workload on your air conditioner, making it more energy efficient and extending its lifespan.

Benefits of Owning a Tankless Water Heater

Owning a tankless water heater offers three primary advantages: an ample supply of hot water, energy efficiency, and space efficiency.

With a properly sized tankless water heater, a steady flow of hot water at the desired temperature can be obtained for as long as needed, ensuring endless hot water supply. In terms of energy efficiency, tankless water heaters are highly efficient and can save up to 30% of energy consumption compared to traditional tank-type water heaters. Traditional heaters constantly use energy to maintain the set water temperature, even when water is not being used. On the other hand, a tankless water heater only heats water when it's needed, preventing wastage of energy when you're not at home. The installation of a tankless water heater can also lead to space savings of up to 90% compared to traditional water heaters. Since a tankless water heater is wall-mounted, it frees up valuable floor space in your basement or utility room for additional storage and versatility.

What is a Draft Inducer?

The draft inducer is a fan situated near the heat exchanger inside your furnace. As soon as your furnace initiates a heating cycle, the draft inducer activates as one of the initial components. It commences operation 30-60 seconds before the burners ignite and runs continuously throughout the entire heating cycle.

The draft inducer operates before the burners are lit to eliminate any residual combustion gases that may be present in the heat exchanger from the previous heating cycle. These gases are expelled from your home through the flue pipes in your system. During burner ignition, the draft inducer continues to function to maintain a steady supply of oxygen for the burners.

The draft inducer enhances your furnace’s performance in two ways:

Firstly, it helps ensure safe operation. During burner ignition, it is crucial that the burners ignite in a safe and controlled environment. If any combustion gases are present inside the heat exchanger, lighting the burners could cause a small explosion. However, draft inducers prevent this safety issue by clearing out all combustion gases from the furnace before new flames are ignited.

Secondly, it improves the efficiency of your system. The draft inducer supplies a consistent flow of oxygen to your furnace’s burners, enabling them to burn efficiently. This maximizes the amount of heat generated by the burners and distributes it uniformly throughout the heat exchanger's walls. Consequently, your supply air will contain more heat, and your home will warm up faster, leading to more efficient heating cycles.