You can improve your air conditioning system's cooling efficiency in different ways, which can help reduce the need to make costly repairs. Heating and cooling entail an essential portion of utility costs in a home. Therefore, an increase in the efficiency of your AC service can save you from spending more than you should. It is easy to boost your AC's cooling efficiency, and here are some tips you can take advantage of as soon as possible.

1. Unblock the vents and keep them clean

When the vent area is blocked, the restricted flow of air can cause a reduction in air efficiency. Therefore, the air in your home will make you feel uncomfortable when you put on the air conditioner. You can keep your indoor air flowing by vacuuming or dusting the vents from time to time. While doing this, ensure that toys, blinds, and furniture do not get in the way. It is pertinent to carry out a routine check of all the house's vents.

2. Replace air filters

If the water clogs or gets dirty, air will not flow properly and can cause a strain on your AC system. The efficiency of your air conditioner implies that your air conditioning system needs fixing. Regular changes in the filter can improve the efficiency of the air conditioner. As recommended, you can change your AC air filters as often as every three months or as instructed by the producer. Keep in mind that reducing the circulation of dust and dirt in your home can boost indoor air quality.

3. External Shade/Unit Cleaning

When debris and other dirt floats around the condenser, the air conditioning system's efficiency reduces. Ensure that branches, dirt, leaves, and other materials are not blocking the unit. However, if substances are in the way of the unit, clear them away immediately. You can also turn on the power and clean the fins by opening the panel. During the hot summer days, shade the condenser of your air conditioning unit to prevent it from working too hard.

4. Remove any Clogs from the Drain line

When you neglect your air conditioning unit by not having proper maintenance, the internal cooling coil drain line can clog, causing water damage due to a severe blockage. You can clean the drain line with chlorine bleach by pouring one cup of the substance into the air conditioner drain before flushing a gallon of water into the drainage pipe. Removing clogs in the drain pipe is helpful when you put your air conditioning unit through too much work in the hot summer weather.

5. Shut your windows and doors

When you leave your windows and doors open, the air will find ways to escape, wasting energy. Therefore, ensure to keep them shut when your air conditioner is on. If you are no longer interested in enjoying the air conditioner or prefer a natural breeze, turn the AC unit off before opening the windows or doors.

6. Avoid using hair dryers or an oven when the weather is hot

Appliances like hair dryers and ovens are typically used for generating hot air that can spread warmth throughout an indoor space. When this happens, and your AC is working at that moment, it will work harder than it should to compensate for the current heat. Therefore, try not to use appliances that can generate heat when the outside weather is too hot, as it can increase energy usage.

7. Avoid placing thermostats close to heat-producing appliances

The place you keep your thermostat can affect the efficiency of your HVAC system. For example, if you keep it close to a lamp or near the direction of the sunlight, it can misread the temperature. The air conditioner will then act as if it requires additional cooling. Costs can increase due to a reduction in air conditioner efficiency, and wear and tear can lead to costly AC repairs over time.

8. Install window and door coverings

You can prevent excessive heat from entering your home when installing window and door blinds, and you can cover blinds and curtains for windows facing direct sunlight to prevent heating that stresses out the HVAC system.

9. Repair any air leaks

Fixing your air leak is vital because cool air can flow out of spaces in your attic, under the doors, around the windows, and any other opening in your home. While the air escapes, you may not visibly know it is happening, but leakage damage can be costly to repair. The air conditioner will work too hard to compensate. However, caulking door frames and windows, testing for leaks, and sealing the air duct system can improve the proper operation of the air conditioning system.

10. Increase the temperature of your thermostat

You can improve the efficiency of your air conditioning system by adjusting the temperature of your thermostat by 5° to 8° during the cold winter days and by adjusting it upward during the hot summer.

11. Allow professionals to insulate your ductwork

If your ductwork is open in the crawlspace or attic, hire an expert to help insulate it. A reasonable amount of air conditioning air can leave through the tiny ducts. Insulating the ductwork allows the professional to clean it and identify leakage areas for easy repair and to boost air conditioner efficiency.

12. Schedule maintenance to prevent further ac unit problems

An HVAC system that undergoes routine maintenance once a year can help you save money in the long run. The HVAC system consists of many moving components, and the electrical and mechanical parts will likely wear out due to poor maintenance. However, frequent maintenance can boost your AC system's performance. A professional can help you check the unit and identify small and big problems. Fixing minor damages will prevent more significant AC components from being damaged, thereby improving the life span of the air conditioning system.

Conclusion

Improving the cooling efficiency of your air conditioning unit comes with different benefits. It is easy to avail yourself of these benefits through routine maintenance of the AC components, ductwork insulation, vent cleaning, repairing air leaks, cleaning out the drain lines, and so on.