When summer hits, living without an air conditioner can be agony. (Which is probably why 2/3 of U.S. homes have one!) It’s important to know how to keep your machine in tip-top shape, lest you find yourself caught in the blazing heat without a breeze of relief. Here are some things to remember when buying/maintaining your AC.
Air conditioners (and related equipment) were responsible for an estimated 7,400 U.S. house fires in 2010. Proper air conditioning maintenance can prevent damage to your air conditioning unit and, more importantly, your home. Find an AC repair service near you to schedule routine maintenance checkups and learn about what AC services keep your machine running smoothly.
When your AC unit isn’t working correctly, it could result in an unwanted excess of humidity in your home. This added moisture could cause damage to your carpets, floors, and walls. And according to the American Society for Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, the average human comfort range is between 72°F 78°F and between 35% and 60% relative humidity. To keep your unit operating at the correct levels, make sure to check for excessive dust, which could be a sign that the unit’s ducts are leaking.
It’s important to pay attention to the efficiency level of your machine. By buying (or switching to) a high-efficiency AC unit, paired with proper insulation, it’s possible to cool your home while reducing use of energy by 20% to 50%. And with AC’s using about 5% of all electricity produced in the U.S., with a yearly cost of more than $11 billion, it’s worth the time to investigate efficient options. (As well as avoid any unwanted AC repair needs.) Check out your local air conditioning service to see how you can pick the right machine for your home. See more.