It’s another scorching July and that means
it’s time to crank up the air
conditioning. If your home has a central
air conditioning system, here are some
cool tips that will help it run more
efficiently, keep your home comfortable,
and save money on that Texas electricity
bill.
Change or Clean Your Air
Filter
A clogged air filter will reduce the
airflow circulating through your system.
During the hot Texas summer, it’s a
good idea to clean or replace the filter
once a month (especially if you smoke or
have pets). Typically, it’s very
easy and only takes a few minutes. If you
buy replacement filters, buy a dozen so
you have them on hand year-round.
Clear the Outside Unit of Any
Debris
The outside component of your air
conditioning unit is the heat exchanger.
It contains a compressor and fan which
release hot air from the inside of your
home. Here, again, airflow is key to
keeping cool. Make sure there is no yard
debris or anything else blocking any of
the unit’s venting. Dirt and rotten leaves
can be cleaned out with a hose. Also, if
you have a dog, keep it from urinating on
the unit because it will corrode the
cooling coils.
Make Sure the Black Insulation on the
Chilled Gas Line is Intact
This insulation keeps the refrigerant cool
as it enters your house. The cooler it
stays, the more efficient your system will
work. If it is missing, buy some pipe
insulation and cover this line. To secure
it in place, you can use duct tape,
however, it will degrade. Black
electrical tape seems to be more weather
resistant.
Clean and Unblock Any Vents in the
Rooms You Use
Close the vents in the rooms you don’t
use.
Do Some Light Air Sealing
When your system is running, cold air can
leak out any openings you might have. Use
tape or silicone caulk to seal holes in
your ductwork to stay more efficient.
These simple tips just take a few minutes
but can add up to shave a big portion off
your Texas energy bill and make your
summer much more comfortable.
