Summer is officially here, although we’ve been feeling the heat for a few weeks now. You’re probably already using your air conditioner on a pretty regular basis, and hopefully haven’t run into any problems. Just be sure to pay attention to your electrical bills, since a rise in cost compared to what you paid last year could signal that your AC system is starting to lose its energy efficiency.
What Causes a Drop in AC Efficiency?
Dirty Outdoor Coil: When your air conditioner is not in use during the off season, your outdoor condenser coil can easily collect a layer of dust and other debris. This prevents your coil from being able to effectively release heat, which makes the entire system work harder. However, don’t attempt to clean the coil yourself. This is definitely a job for professionals.
A Clogged Air Filter: The air filter that came standard with your air conditioning system is there to protect the system’s inside components. When you are using your air conditioner, it can become clogged every 1-3 months. As a result, there will be a restriction of air flow that will cause energy drain. Check on this filter monthly and clean or change it if it does look clogged.
Age: Even if you take care of your air conditioner diligently year after year, eventually it’s going to wear down. Age eventually catches up to the system, and it may start to experience a drop in energy efficiency as a result. How old is too old however? Typically, a expertly installed and serviced AC system should last about 10-15 years. If yours is older than this, you should call a technician to see if it’s time for a replacement.
Call us 7 days a week for a personalized response for all of your air conditioning service needs and more, in Waynesville, NC. If we don’t have answer for you, we’ll find it!