Keeping Your HVAC System Free and ClearKeeping Your HVAC System Free and Clear

If your current air conditioning isn't keeping you cool enough, you may be wondering how you can improve it. Depending on your budget and your preferences, there are a lot of different options. Take a look at these ideas. 

Use fans. 

Turning on the fan when you already have the AC running may seem like overkill, but it is very helpful. The AC will cool the air, but the fan will help to move the cooled air around your home. This strategy works with central and window ACs. 

Change the filters.

The air that moves through your AC goes through a filter. If the filter is clogged and dirty, the air won't be able to move through. This reduces efficiency, increases the risk of a breakdown, and compromises your home's comfort. 

Check the filter on your AC. You can hire someone to do this as part of a routine AC maintenance check, or you can easily do it yourself. If you're not sure where your filter is, simply do a web search and you'll find videos and guides for most AC models. 

Then, depending on the type of filter you have, you will either need to remove it and clean it, or replace it. 

Check the refrigerant levels. 

Over time, your air conditioner may lose refrigerant. This reduces the system's ability to cool your home. If you notice that your AC isn't generating very cold air, the refrigerant may be low. 

Unfortunately, you cannot top up the refrigerant yourself. This is not a DIY project. You will need to contact an AC repair professional. 

Lower your shades. 

If your AC is fighting with the sun, it may lose. Sun streaming through your windows heats up your home and counteracts your AC. Pull down the shades during the day to keep your home shadier and cooler. This is especially important on the south side of your home. 

Consider an upgrade.

If your AC is old or the wrong capacity, you may want to consider an upgrade. A repair person can give you an idea of how much a new AC will increase the coolness of your home. Additionally, when you upgrade to a newer model, you generally get more efficiency. 

You may also want to consider an upgrade if you use window ACs. Many people rely on window ACs, especially in older homes without ductwork. But they are noisy and typically cannot heat large areas. In this case, you may want to upgrade to a ductless system.