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Earth Day Energy Efficient Tips For Your Air Conditioner

Palm Air AC|19 April 2016

Did you know that Earth Day is April 22? Considering your South Florida air conditioner creates nearly 50 percent of our energy costs, many of us with air conditioning could benefit from learning how to be more energy efficient and save some money in the process.

Just past Earth Day, summer is coming to Boca Raton and other parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties, so be sure to keep these quick and easy energy efficient air conditioner tips in mind.

Ductwork Issues

Dirty or leaking air ducts can cause anywhere from 20 to 40 percent of energy inefficiency in a home, even with an energy efficient air conditioner. Our whole-home approach to HVAC means that we treat your ductwork like the circulatory system of your home. Ductwork can circulate things like dirt, debris, harmful contaminants, pollen, and odors, but it can also circulate your cooled air right back outside. When we come out for an air duct cleaning service, we make sure that your air ducts are fully cleaned, insulated and sealed to ensure peak energy efficiency.

Air Filter Replacement

The air filter inside of your air conditioner should be replaced every one to three months. However, in warm months when the AC is running almost constantly, consider replacing the air filter at minimum every 30 days. ASHRAE recommends using air conditioning air filters with a MERV rating of six or higher for the best performance.

Seasonal Air Conditioning Tune-Up and AC Maintenance

Did you know that most residential air conditioning systems remove two to four gallons of water per day from our homes? Water damage caused by your AC system’s condensate is one of the biggest service issues we face. AC Drain lines often become clogged due to algae growth and scale. Condensate drain pans can become rusted and corroded due to age and condition. The result is all too often damage to our homes. When we come to your home for a tune-up and maintenance of your air conditioner we are sure to take care of the drain line and other areas that could become problematic as the dogs days of summer stretch on. Not only will your AC run more efficiently, but you will save on repair costs that could occur at less than opportune times.

Upgrade to an Energy Efficient Air Conditioner

If your energy costs are still rising and your air conditioner is still not cooling as efficiently as it could, it may be time to invest in a new, energy efficient air conditioner. ASHRAE recommends buying an air conditioner with a SEER rating of 13 or higher. A dehumidifier in conjunction with the air conditioner can also be helpful in improving energy efficiency in your home.

Quick AC Remedies for Better Efficiency

Check your outdoor unit to be sure it is free from any obstructions that could make the air conditioner work harder than needed. Also, be sure to avoid positioning landscaping too close to the air conditioning unit. While placing plants and shrubbery to create shade in your yard can help to keep the air conditioner cool and working more efficiently, positioning the landscaping too close can obstruct the unit making it work harder.

Ceiling fans inside of the home can also work to lighten the load our hot and humid Florida weather places on our air conditioners. Blades should spin counter-clockwise during the hot summer months, and clockwise to circulate the air during the cooler months.

Earth Day Energy Efficiency Tips from Palm Air AC

Whether it is Earth Day or not, energy efficiency is always cool. An air conditioner that is at optimal energy efficiency levels will not only make the environment happier, but we think you’ll be happier as well when you see your energy bills. Contact Palm Air now for a free consultation, estimate, to schedule online or just learn more about our HVAC services in South Florida.