Tips for an existing whole house ducted air conditioner. Make a point to keep annual tune-ups on your existing air handler. If you have an efficient system treat it like your car, keep clean and tuned up you will be saving money for years to come.
For a few extra dollars this year have all your duct work checked for air leaks. Losing 55F air in your attic or crawl space is a big waste of money. Make sure all your ductwork is well insulated. Poorly installed ductwork can cost you in many ways. Air leaks will decrease your cooling output to that room. Poor insulation will increase your leaving air temperature. Bad duct elbows will cause unneeded air resistances on your blower motor. If the cold air never gets to the room the unit will keep running and running. Don’t assume that all air handlers are installed well. If you’re just moving and this is your first summer you will never know that it never going to work well. You will just think it always runs for 14 hrs a day.
After you’re sure that the system is installed correctly. Things you the home owner can do. Prune the plants and shrubs away from the outdoor condenser. If your air doesn’t flow freely you’re loosing money. Change your filters as needed; during high pollen months keep an eye on your filters. Keep future away from your supply and return grilles. The better the air moves around the room the soon your system will stop running.
