The dog days of the hot Northeast Ohio summer can take a toll on your air conditioner, particularly the compressor. An overworked air conditioner will cost more to operate and won’t cool as efficiently as it should. These tips will help you take a load off of your A/C compressor to increase your system’s cooling power and help prevent common air conditioning problems.
Maintain your system
- If you haven’t already scheduled preventive maintenance on your air conditioner, it’s not too late to reap the
![Relief for Your A/C Compressor: Put These Tips to Work]()
key benefits, which include higher system efficiency, lower utility bills, a longer system operating life and fewer repairs. - Inspect your air filter every month and replace it when you can no longer see through it. A dirty filter impedes the flow of air to your system, lowering its efficiency and causing it to cycle more frequently.
- Spray down your outdoor condensing unit monthly to remove debris from the fins, which can hamper the exchange of heat and make your system work harder to keep you cool.
key benefits, which include higher system efficiency, Keep the heat out
- Don’t use heat-generating appliances such as an oven or dishwasher during the heat of the day.
- Keep your window shades closed during the day to help combat solar heat gain.
- Seal air leaks to keep cool air in and warm air out. Caulk around stationary parts of windows and doors, and apply weatherstripping between movable parts. Use expanding spray foam to seal gaps around service entrances, vents and pipes that protrude through exterior walls.
- Seal your ducts. Leaky ductwork accounts for 20 to 40 percent of air loss in the typical home. Use metal tape or mastic sealant to seal loose joints and cracks in your ducts.
Cool efficiently
- Use room and ceiling fans to help you feel cooler.
- Install a programmable thermostat for optimum comfort while you’re at home and to reduce the load on your system while you’re away.
For more expert advice about preserving your A/C compressor while maintaining a high level of comfort in your home, please feel free to contact us at Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, proudly serving the Greater Cleveland area for over 78 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
For those Do it Yourselfers who would rather take control of your own indoor comfort, you can shop our online store for replacement parts, products and accessories!
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