June Energy Tips

Keep your cool this summer!

Whether you have a heat pump or a central air conditioning system, proper maintenance is imperative. The efficiency of a cooling system is critical in order to decrease energy use and increase comfort, particularly in warm climates.

A well-maintained system will use 15 to 40 percent less energy than a neglected one. Proper maintenance will extend the life of your cooling system and keep it running smoothly and efficiently.

The following tips will help your system operate more efficiently and can help to reduce your energy use:

Clean or replace the air filter

This by far is one of the simplest steps in maintaining your air conditioning system, but it is one that is quite frequently overlooked. Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce a system's efficiency significantly. Clean or replace your air conditioning system's filter every month or two during the cooling season.

Clean the condensing cooling coils

Although you can perform this task yourself, you may want to contact a professional for assistance. If you choose to clean the coils yourself, be sure to turn off the system at the thermostat and turn off the power to the outdoor unit at the main breaker panel or disconnect. Clean any loose debris from around the unit and clean the unit with household soap and water. Be sure the unit is completely dry before turning on the power at the main breaker panel. Once power is restored there, then turn on the system at the thermostat and set it for normal operation.

Perform seasonal maintenance and tune up on the system

This time of year, you often see hearing and cooling companies offering seasonal maintenance packages. Typically these packages provide for a service technician to clean evaporator and condenser coils, check refrigerant pressures, and adjust and lubricate moving parts. How often you need professional maintenance depends on how much you operate your system. In our climate, annual service is typically recommended.

Replace the air conditioning system

Repairing an existing air conditioner may seem to be the least expensive option if your unit is not working properly, but it may cost more in the long run. Paying for repairs on an older, inefficient system may simply prolong the inevitable need for replacement. Installing a new, energy-efficient system may be more cost-effective. Today's best air conditions and heat pumps use 30 to 50 percent less energy to produce the same amoun tof cooling as air conditioners made in the mid 1970s. Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save a significant amount on your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. When buying a unit, look for a model with a high efficiency rating (SEER). SEER indicates the relative amount of energy needed to provide a specific cooling output. Also, look for the ENERGY STAR label.

Consider a heat pump

If you are going to replace your central air conditioner and you have or would like to have electric heat in your home, consider replacing the air conditioner with a heat pump. A heat pump combines heating and cooling functions and, in the heating mode, is far more efficient than electric-resistance heat like that produced by an electric furnace.