HVAC Blog Crystal Lake, IL

3 Reasons Why a Mismatched HVAC System Costs You More Money

June 14th, 2017

There is a reason HVAC companies refer to their equipment as a “system”. It’s because each component is designed to work in harmony to provide efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The older an HVAV system is, however, the more opportunities there are to end up with a mismatched evaporator coil and condenser. A mismatched HVAC system can often be referred to as a “Frankenstein” system because it is still operating on pieces and parts that weren’t intended to work, or certainly not work efficiently together.

A Question of Economics

For homeowners, it becomes a question of economics when looking at replacing either an air conditioning unit or a furnace. Can you replace one or the other? Yes. There are, however, a lot of reasons you shouldn’t. Here are three ones.

Replacing both units at the same time will save you money long-term. What many homeowners may not realize is that if they replace only the outdoor AC unit, they’ll probably be spending money to replace the indoor unit shortly thereafter. Your HVAC company won’t have a problem with that because you, in essence, will be paying installation costs twice. In the photo used as an example, you’ll see an AC unit that was replaced just two years before the furnace. To make sure the AC unit worked with the furnace they had at the time, we had to make use of a wider coil. When we replaced the furnace, the new furnace was not as wide. This means that now the components aren’t properly matched or aligned for optimal airflow. It involved more work and added more expense. Replacing both units would ensure an efficient, dependable system that will function properly for a longer period of time.
Matched systems perform better. When air conditioning units are designed, they are built to work with a matched indoor unit. This matched system works in tandem to generate optimum efficiency and ideal system performance. As mentioned, replacing an outdoor air conditioner unit without installing the matching indoor unit will work. However, you are jeopardizing the dependability of both units. This compromises your HVAC system’s efficiency, which may cost more in the long run.
Efficiency ratings are based on matched systems. When you purchase a new HVAC unit, the heating and cooling efficiency ratings are based on matched system performance. That means, if you bought a condenser with an 18 SEER rating to help you save money on monthly bills, you won’t realize the full potential of those savings without the matching furnace. The wider the difference range between SEER ratings of equipment, the less efficient they will be in working together.

Another Reason Trusted, Reputable HVAC Service is Important

The issue of a mismatched evaporator coil and condenser and a mismatched HVAC system is yet another reason to perform due diligence in selecting your HVAC company. While we will do what we can to extend the life of any system, there is a time when the wiser choice is to simply replace a system.

A matched system will run more efficiently, perform better, last longer, and deliver cost savings well beyond the extra expense. To learn more, contact one of our expert HVAC technicians today! We service homeowners in the NW Chicago suburbs and would love the opportunity to service your residential home or commercial business.

Will an Air Purifier Minimize My Allergy Symptoms?

June 8th, 2017

There are plenty of myths about how to best clean the air in your home. Some people believe a good HEPA air filter will do. Others suggest an air purifier. Still others say that perhaps there is nothing you can do, especially when it comes to allergens. The Chicago area has experienced medium to high pollen levels throughout the spring and forecasts call for it to continue. If you or someone in your family suffers from pollen-related allergies, the following may help.

Will My HVAC Filters Help?

The answer is yes, but to a limited degree. HEPA filters provide more stringent cleaning than standard filters but when it comes to allergens, your basic filters provide limited protection. These filters are designed to keep airflow moving unobstructed to your HVAC system, not in removing dust or allergens from your home.

What is an Air Purifier?

While HVAC filters remove contaminants from clogging your HVAC system, and do, in fact remove larger particles from the air, an air purifier or air cleaner is designed to remove contaminants from the air in a room. A HEPA filter in particular is designed to pass the air in a room through it multiple times, removing increasingly smaller particulars from the room.

Will an Air Purifier Help with my Allergy Symptoms?

Again, the answer is yes, but probably only to a limited degree if you are not taking other steps. Your first goal should be to limit your exposure to allergens.

Avoid spending time in the outdoors, where you may breathe in allergens or even have them collect on your hair and clothes.
Take a shower before bed so you will not transfer allergens to bedding and your pillows.
Make sure all filters in your HVAC system are cleaned and/or replaced often, at least once every three months.
If someone in your family has severe allergies, consider replacing carpeting with solid flooring material like wood, wood-like flooring, or tile flooring. This will keep allergens from collecting in carpeting and being redistributed during vacuuming.
Furniture can gather allergens so make sure yours is cleaned regularly.
Keep your windows closed at home, even when the weather is tempting you to open all the windows. This is really important in the spring when flower and tree pollen is highest.
Take spring cleaning seriously. Allergies are a good reason people take the time to thoroughly clean their homes. It works. It also helps to keep the air clean with the appropriate filtration devices.

If you have taken the above steps and are still suffering significantly, it is a good idea to contact the indoor air experts at Althoff Industries. Depending on your home, your HVAC system and your specific allergen related issues, Althoff can design a system using a variety of the latest technologies to removed allergens, dust and dust mites from your indoor air. Without the proper air filtration and purification system, many homes are simply recycling dirty air. Help is just a phone call away.

The Althoff Difference

At Althoff Industries, we aren’t interested in selling the latest trendy devices. We have built our reputation and our company on providing solutions that work. This includes air cleaner and air purification systems that perform in concert with your HVAC system to provide a healthy environment for you and your family. Are you experiencing runny noses, sneezing, red or watering eyes, or seem to be constantly dusting your home? We may have the solution for you. Contact Althoff Industries and enjoy cleaner, healthier and more comfortable air in your home.

4 Important Benefits of Air Conditioning Filter Maintenance

June 6th, 2017

One the easiest, least expensive and most beneficial ways to keep your air conditioner humming along through the summer season is through changing the air conditioning filter and through regular air filter maintenance. Yet, it is amazing how often our HVAC technicians will see an air conditioner filter that has been ignored for far too long. Changing your air conditioner filter is particularly important if you have pets or there is a smoker in your home. Here are four benefits of air conditioning filter maintenance.

Improve the life of your air conditioning unit. A dirty air conditioner filter makes it hard for your air conditioner to handle air which, in turn, causes increased wear. With regular filter maintenance, you can help your unit breathe easier and extend its life. Dirt and lack of maintenance is one of the leading causes of HVAC failure and extending the life of your unit starts with a clean air conditioner filter.
Better energy efficiency. If you see your utility bills increasing and think there isn’t anything you can do about it, changing an air conditioning filter is a simple first step. Compared to the energy saved, and new air conditioning filter can more than pay for itself.
Overall quality of air in your home. Your home will smell better, have less dust and even reduced allergens when you keep a clean air conditioner filter. This can actually help your family breathe and feel better. You also may find yourself dusting in your home a little less often when filters are changed regularly.
Helps keep ductwork cleaner. Concerned about the build up of dust and dirt in your ductwork?. Keeping air conditioning filters clean can contribute to cleaner ductwork.

How Often Should Filters Be Changed?

So, how often should you have your air conditioner filter changed? For many, changing filters seasonally in the fall and spring seem to be the routine. For peak benefits, however, air filter maintenance should actually occur monthly. At the very least, filters should be clean or changed every three months. Thanks goodness it is an easy to accomplish, very affordable task.

Proper Maintenance of Your Entire HVAC System

Air filter maintenance and air conditioner filter changes are just a part of a complete HVAC system maintenance program that can help extend the life of your system and make sure it is operating efficiently. If it has been far too long since you have had a system tune-up, see the difference a call to Althoff Industries can make. We serve the Northwest Chicago area with superior HVAC services for families just like yours. Call us today and preserve the life of your HVAC system.

What’s that Smell? Innocent vs. Hazardous Central Air Conditioner Vent Odors

May 30th, 2017

Just like when your Chicago area furnace kicks on for the first time in the fall, when your central air conditioning goes on for the first time in the spring, you may be welcomed with some unknown vent odors. Why does your central air conditioning smell that way? How long will the odor last and is it something that is hazardous? Here’s a look at some common vent odors you may smell from your central air conditioning unit and what they can mean.

3 Common Air Conditioning Smells and What They Mean

1. The smell of mildew – Your central air conditioning deals with a LOT of moisture. There’s the moisture in the air in the form of humidity, condensation and more. If this moisture doesn’t get drained away, it can lead to the smell of mildew. Mold and mildew could also form because your air conditioning filters are dirty, leading to vent odors. If you smell the odor of mildew, first change your vent filters. If the smell doesn’t rapidly dissipate, contact your local HVAC expert for a thorough cleaning.

2. The odor of old cigarette smoke – Your condenser coil can attract the cigarette smoke of a smoker in your house. This odor is dispersed each time the central air is operated. A coil cleaning will take care of this issue.

3. An unpleasant rotting smell – It is not uncommon in the Midwest for animals to get into an air conditioner unit and die. As the weather warms and the central air is turned on, a very unpleasant rotting odor can be detected. The only way to resolve the issue is to removed the dead animal from the A/C unit and have it cleaned.

The good news is that none of the above odors is necessarily hazardous. Unpleasant? Yes. Will you want to take corrective action to fix the smell? Absolutely. But none of these are an actual danger to the health of you or your family.

4 Potentially Hazardous Odors from your Central Air Conditioner

1. A “rotten egg” smell – While natural gas doesn’t have an odor on its own, suppliers give it a sulphuric, rotten egg smell to make it unpleasant. If you notice this smell, you may have a gas leak near one of your AC vents. You’ll want to leave the house quickly and call your local natural gas provider immediately.

2. A burning smell or that of plastic burning – This could be an indication there has been an electrical short in your system, or are experiencing a problem with an exhaust fan or compressor. Cut power to your unit and call an HVAC technician immediately.

3. A raw sewage smell – A raw sewage odor can be an indication there is a sewer leak at or near AC vents. Methane gas from sewage can be dangerous and a professional AC technician should be contacted quickly to determine the source.

4. A smell of gunpowder – This could be the result of a fan motor or circuit board burn out. Again, power should be cut and a professional HVAC technician contacted immediately.

The above smells, while not necessarily always hazardous, can potential be harmful. In each instance, a professional technician should be contacted.

Contact Althoff Industries when You Smell Strange Odors

If you experience odd odors when first turning on your air conditioner or if your air is not cooling properly when first turned on, we invite you to contact us at Althoff Industries. We proudly serve homeowners in the Northwest Chicago area suburbs with superior HVAC services, including resolving unpleasant odors. Call us and let us know about your situation – we would love to help!

The Hidden Dangers of a Clogged Condensate Drain Line on Your AC

May 25th, 2017

In a previous article, we discussed the importance of a good spring cleaning and tune up of home’s air condition system. We mentioned how some bargain HVAC technicians won’t even bother to take the panels off of an AC unit to clean the evaporator coil. This can ultimately defeat the original purpose of a cleaning and tune-up. Another area of concern is your condensate drain and the problems associated with a clogged condensate drain line. Once you understand the purpose of a condensate line and the problems a clogged drain or line can cause, you’ll better understand how important it is to make sure your condensate drain line is functioning properly.

What is your Condensate Drain?

If you’ve ever left a cold canned beverage on a picnic table on a hot summer day, even for just a few seconds, you’ll notice that moisture forms on the outside of the can drips down quickly to leave a water ring on the surface of the table. It’s why you probably use coasters inside your home, especially if you have wooden tables. This moisture from condensation can cause damage. Your air conditioning also produces this condensate as it cools the air through its evaporator coil. Your condensate drain is designed to provide a path to remove this moisture and dispose of it in a way that won’t cause damage to the unit or your home or property.

If you look at your AC unit, you may see a small pipe, generally made of PVC, that serves as your condensate drain. It is often located near the ground or a drain. If water is dripping from this line, that’s good news, as it is likely doing its job. The problem is, this line can get clogged, often without your knowledge. Like that cold can on a nice wood table, it can also cause some ugly, and potentially expensive problems.

The Potential Problems of a Clogged Condensate Drain Line

Your AC drain line will include a trap, not unlike the U-shaped traps under your sinks. This is to prevent unwanted air from getting into your closed AC system. This trap, along with the warm, moist air that is under most AC systems are, unfortunately, a perfect breeding ground for algae. If this algae builds undetected and unchecked, it can cause a clog in the drain line. This can back up moisture into your AC system and into the walls of your home. This, in turn, can lead to leakage and overflows which can lead to mold and even a complete system shutdown. These clogs can be disgusting and the damage significant.

Making Sure Your Condensate Drain Line Is Cleaned Properly

Quite simply, there is only one way to make sure your condensate drain line is cleaned properly. That is to have your AC unit tuned-up and cleaned each Spring from a trained, qualified, and quality technician like those at Althoff Industries. Some DIY’ers will attempt to determine if there is blockage present by pouring water down the line from the tee valve, assuming if they see or hear water coming out on the other end, the drain is clear. Sadly, this is also how some bargain HVAC technician assure themselves, and their customers, there is no blockage. But as you can see in the photos, nasty blockages can occur BEFORE the tee, at the outlet of the evaporator coil.

Why do we pay attention to something as seemingly simple as condensate drains? Because at Althoff Industries, serving the greater Chicago area, we’ve built our business by doing what we say we will do and by doing it the right way. You have a significant investment in your home and your AC unit. We have our reputation at stake. Call us for a quality AC check from the professional HVAC technicians at Althoff.

What Should an A/C Tune-Up and Cleaning Include?

May 23rd, 2017

Every spring, HVAC companies begin advertising their air conditioning maintenance specials, and for good reason. Spring is the best time to ensure your air conditioning system will operate at its peak through the summer months. Preventative maintenance—including a cleaning, inspection and tune-up—can help you avoid an inconvenient breakdown or uncomfortable summer day with no cold air.

Not all A/C maintenance packages are created equal, though—and not just in terms of price. As you shop around for an air conditioning tune-up, consider the following questions.

What should be included in an A/C maintenance visit?

An air conditioning maintenance visit should include a complete inspection of your unit, an air conditioner cleaning, an air filter change, and recommendations for any needed maintenance or repairs.

Filter changes are pretty straightforward and most bargain A/C tune-up companies will be more than happy to recommend further maintenance. That means that the determining factors in what makes a good A/C tune-up are the thoroughness of the inspection and cleaning.

Does the tune-up include an air condenser cleaning, or just a rinsing?

Most bargain HVAC spring tune-ups include a “condenser cleaning,” but often what you’re really getting is a condenser rinsing. The technician will take a hose to the outdoor unit and spray water into it in an effort to remove debris and dirt. This just pushes the dirt and debris further into the unit’s coil.

The right way to clean the condenser involves removing the panels and the top of the unit so the coils can be cleaned from the inside out. This also allows for a more thorough visual inspection of the unit’s fan blades, electrical connections and coil fins. Moving parts should be lubricated as well. The Trane website has a helpful explanation of what you should expect from your yearly air conditioner coil maintenance.

When considering an HVAC company for your air conditioner maintenance, always ask about how they perform a condenser cleaning. When A/C coils are cleaned the right way, you can expect your air conditioner to keep your home cooler more efficiently.

Is the tune-up a good value or just a good price?

“You get what you pay for” definitely applies to A/C tune-ups.

Some companies that advertise $39 and $49 tune-ups treat them more as a lead generator than as the valuable stand-alone service they should be. The goal in these cases is to get in the door with a bargain tune-up, then try to upsell additional maintenance, services and repairs.

Technicians should always bring potential issues to your attention if they notice them during the tune-up. However, the purpose of a tune-up is to make sure your unit is thoroughly cleaned, serviced and operating efficiently—not as an opportunity to upsell.

Your HVAC system is one of your home’s largest and most expensive mechanical systems. A properly and professionally done tune-up is well worth the investment to keep your unit running safely and efficiently.

If you want the peace of mind of thorough air conditioning maintenance, contact Althoff Industries. We offer 24-point air conditioner tune-ups in Chicago and the Northwest suburbs. Call (815) 455-7000 to schedule now.

5 Common Central Air Conditioner Repairs

May 18th, 2017

During the course of the summer, a homeowner may encounter problems with their central air conditioner unit. Although, most air conditioner problems only require a quick A/C repair, if a homeowner lets small problems linger or does not engage in timely central air conditioner maintenance, it could lead to a hefty repair bill. To avoid the element of surprise, our team at Althoff has put together this list of common central air conditioning repair requests.

1. Broken Thermostats

A broken thermostat can prevent a central air conditioner from operating. If the unit fails to turn on or doesn’t reach the desired indoor temperature, homeowners should check to see if the thermostat is set to the correct temperature and that it is set to cooling versus heating. If the thermostat requires batteries, they should be changed. If these A/C repair tips fail to restore the function of the air conditioner, a central air conditioner maintenance call is in short order.

2. Bad Electrical Wiring

The air conditioner may have bad electrical wiring if it turns on for a few minutes then trips the circuit breaker or if the homeowner smells something hot or burning. If this is happening in your home, it is best to turn off the air conditioner at the thermostat and the electrical panel and then call a licensed HVAC contractor in Chicago for central air conditioner maintenance.

3. Unit Fails to Turn On or Cycles Frequently

If the air conditioner cycles frequently, it can leave homeowners with high energy bills and indoor air that is still too humid. This most commonly occurs when the air conditioner is too large for the square footage of the home. However, it can also occur when cool air blows directly onto the thermostat. If the vents are located near the thermostat, try closing them to see if this fixes the problem. If the unit still cycles on and off every few minutes, it is best to call a professional HVAC technician and schedule an appointment for an A/C repair in Chicago.

If the unit fails to turn on, homeowners should check the circuit breaker on the electrical panel to see if it has tripped. If it has, it may indicate an electrical problem. If the breaker is in the on position, an electrical component inside the central air conditioner may have failed.

4. The A/C Unit Blows Warm Air

If the residential air conditioner blows warm air from the vents, it may have low levels of coolant or it could be an indication that the outside condenser and coils need to be cleaned. Air conditioners need adequate levels of coolant in order to remove excess heat from the indoor air. Once that hot coolant reaches the condenser, adequate airflow around the unit is essential for dissipating the heat. Clearing any debris and cutting back plants around the condenser may restore proper function, but if it doesn’t, the homeowner will need a central air conditioner maintenance technician to diagnose and repair the problem.

5. Low Air Flow Through Register Vents

Low air flow through the register vents could indicate that the blower motor is malfunctioning or that there are cracks and gaps in the air ducts. The first step to locating this problem is by listening to the air conditioner while it operates. If there are grinding or squeaking noises, the blower may be malfunctioning, indicating the need for an A/C repair. If the blower is operating and sounds normal, the homeowner should walk through the home and examine the air conditioning vents. If some vents are blowing cold air at a normal volume and other vents have little to no air flow, it could indicate the need for an air duct repair service.

Central Air Conditioning Maintenance and Repair with Althoff

Here at Althoff, we offer affordable, timely, professional A/C repair for residential homes located throughout the NW Chicago suburbs. Our HVAC technicians are experienced and knowledgeable in repairing all sizes and brands of central air conditioning units.

To schedule a central air conditioner inspection or A/C repair service before the summer heat hits, call us at 815-455-7000

5 Reasons Air Conditioner Maintenance Inspection Saves You Money

May 17th, 2017

A regularly maintained air conditioner is one that is working efficiently, which in turn helps homeowners keep utility bills down. Spring is the optimal time to schedule an inspection–before the high heat of summer returns. Here are 5 ways that an annual air conditioner maintenance inspection will help keep summer cooling costs down.

1. Improve Air Conditioner Efficiency

When an air conditioner maintenance inspection is performed, a trained expert will examine and clean all the moving parts. The coils inside an A/C unit transfer heat from the refrigerant to the outside air while the fan inside the condenser helps accelerate the removal of that heat. When the coils and fan are dirty, it slows down that transfer of heat so the air conditioner must work harder to keep the home comfortable.

2. Keep Repair Bills in Check

All the parts of an air conditioner work together to cool a home. When one part fails, it can lead to increased wear and tear on other parts which will add up to costly repairs. By scheduling an air conditioner maintenance inspection in the spring–before the cooling season begins–homeowners can locate and replace failing parts before they have a chance to cause harm to the rest of the unit.

3. Prevent A/C Failure

A spring inspection will also help prevent a major repair or even a complete failure of an air conditioning system during the hottest summer days. Every inspection includes checking all major components, including refrigerant levels, to ensure proper operation. Maintaining proper refrigerant levels is essential, and many homeowners do not realize that their air conditioner is low on refrigerant before it’s too late.

A slow leak will cause a slow deterioration of the A/C unit. The early signs might be a slight increase in energy bills as the air conditioner must work harder to compensate for the low refrigerant level. As the season wears on, homeowners may begin to notice warmer air from vents or that the air conditioner seems to be running more often. If left unresolved, low refrigerant levels can cause the air conditioner to stop working altogether, or even damage the compressor motor–a very costly repair.

4. Extend the Life of Your Air Conditioner

A well-maintained A/C unit can last up to 20 years while a neglected one could fail in as little as 10 years. An annual A/C inspection will ensure that the unit is clean, that moving parts are operating correctly, and that ideal fluid levels are maintained. An air conditioner is no small investment; proper maintenance will ensure that investment is a sound one.

5. Warranty Compliance

A manufacturer’s warranty provides peace of mind for homeowners when installing a new air conditioner. However, most manufacturers require proper maintenance for that warranty to remain in effect. Plus, if there are problems with the air conditioner that are covered by the warranty, finding and resolving those problems while the A/C unit is still under warranty is essential.

Long-Term Savings with Regular A/C Inspections

Keeping an air conditioner running smoothly will not only provide homeowners with a comfortable home, but it will also help keep energy and repair bills low. We offer several options for scheduling A/C service including no-hassle memberships that include pre-scheduled inspections and a discount on covered repairs. Ready to start saving? Call Althoff Industries at 815-455-7000 today!

6 Tips to Maintain Residential Air Conditioner Peak Performance

May 15th, 2017

Homeowners rely on their air conditioner to work reliably and efficiently all summer long, so when a unit fails, it can lead to uncomfortably living and sleeping conditions. Learn how to keep you’re A/C unit operating efficiently all summer long with these tips.

1. Keep the Heat Off the Thermostat

An air conditioner’s thermostat keeps indoor air temperature constant. It is important to note, though, that a thermostat temperature sensor is located within the thermostat. For this reason, all heat producing appliances, including lights, should be kept away from the thermostat as they lead the sensor to think it is warmer inside the home than it actually is and consequently activate the air conditioner to run. An air conditioner that runs too often, can lead to excessively high cooling bills and decrease the performance of the high efficiency A/C unit.

2. Program Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats allow homeowners to pre-program their air conditioners, according to the time and whether it’s a weekend or weekday. According to Houselogic, homeowners could save as much as $180 a year by keeping their thermostats programmed. Energy Star recommends keeping thermostats set to 78 degrees while occupying the home, 85 degrees while everyone is at work or school and 74 degrees while sleeping.

3. Keep the Air Flowing

Air conditioners need air in order to function at their peak performance. Homeowners should regularly change or clean the a/c air filter and keep the outdoor condenser area clean and free of debris. Failure to perform these common maintenance items can dramatically reduce the performance of the home’s high efficiency A/C system.

4. Consider a Duct Inspection and Sealing

Air ducts that are leaky with holes, cracks and separated seams allow cool air out of the ducts and warm air into the ducts. This dramatically reduces A/C peak performance and may cause some rooms in the home to feel hot and stuffy. Exceptionally dirty air ducts slow the air flow and result in dirt, dust and pollen being forced airborne, which can reduce indoor comfort and create high energy bills.

5. Take Advantages of Weatherization Services

Many utility companies offer free weatherization inspections that come with detailed reports of the home’s current energy efficiency and recommendations for residential energy efficiency improvements, like sealing doors and windows and investing in a high efficiency A/C.

6. Licensed Residential HVAC Contractor Inspection

Lastly, homeowners should consider hiring a licensed residential HVAC contractor to conduct a thorough inspection. Licensed HVAC contractors are educated and trained on helping residential air conditioners maintain their peak performance and reliability. Licensed cooling technicians, can inspect all types of air conditioners, perform repairs and provide useful tips on how to achieve A/C peak performance.

For more tips on maintaining A/C peak performance or to schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment contact Althoff at 815-455-7000.

7 Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

April 24th, 2017

Is your air conditioner ready for hot weather? While there is no substitute for an HVAC tune-up, inspection and cleaning performed by a professional, there are simple things you can do throughout the spring and summer to keep your A/C unit in good shape.

Here are seven summer air conditioner maintenance tips that homeowners can perform to stay cool during seasonal heat waves.

1. Air Filter Maintenance

One of the easiest air conditioner maintenance tips is also one of the most important. You should check your central A/C air filter every month and change it if it’s dirty. Not sure? Hold it up to the light—if you can’t see through it, it needs to be changed.

In many cases, this works out to an air filter change every 60 days—90 days at the maximum. If you have pets in the home or an excess of dust, you may need to change your A/C filter every 30 days.

Why is changing your air filters so important? A clogged or excessively dirty air filter can restrict air flow to the unit, causing it to work harder than it should. It may even overheat, leaving you overheated on a hot summer day with no A/C.

2. Remove Obstructions From Around Exterior Condenser

The outdoor condensing unit needs to be free and clear of obstructions in order to operate efficiently. All plants, trees, flowers and shrubbery should be planted and cut back to between two and three feet in order to ensure that the condenser gets maximum air flow.

If there is visible dirt, debris, dust, pollen or leaves on your condensing unit, you can use a soft broom or shop vac brush attachment to gently remove it. Always move in the direction of the fins—they are easily bent out of shape. You can also used gloved hands to remove larger pieces of debris. You need to completely turn off the power to the unit when doing this kind of maintenance. Turning off the thermostat isn’t enough—you never know when someone in the house might decide to flip it back on!

Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t just spray water on the outside of the unit with a hose in order to clean it. This will force the dirt and debris further into the unit’s coil. A proper condenser cleaning involves removing the panels and top of the unit so the coils can be cleaned from the inside out. This cleaning should be part of your annual professional maintenance tune-up.

The Trane website has a helpful explanation of what you should expect from your yearly air conditioner coil maintenance.

3. Don’t Close Central Air Conditioner Vents

Central air conditioners are designed to work as one cohesive unit and this includes the vents and ducts inside the home. They need air to operate. Completely closing an air conditioning vent can result in the A/C unit freezing up.

For efficient A/C operation, you should check that vents in the home are not blocked. In unused rooms, partially closed vents are usually sufficient to keep air flow operating effectively.

4. Pay Attention to the Sun and Outdoor Temperatures

During the hottest part of a summer day, keep your house cool by closing blinds and curtains. This helps prevent your air conditioner from working harder than it needs to in order to cool the home.

5. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

Most programmable thermostats allow homeowners to set temperatures according to the time of day and also whether it’s a weekend or weekday. For optimal temperature control, homeowners should set the coolest temperatures for the times when they are home and awake. Set your thermostat to a warmer indoor temperature during times when you anticipate being out of the house to save money on cooling bills and reduce the workload on your A/C unit.

6. Evaluate Your Doors, Windows and Ductwork

Drafts around closed exterior doors and windows are a sign that warm air is getting in and cool air is getting out! Save money on your HVAC utility bills by having drafts professionally sealed. If certain ducts are blowing warmer-than-normal air or air flow is occurring through the duct when the A/C unit is not running, call a professional HVAC technician to evaluate your ductwork and seal any cracks and holes.

7. Preventive Maintenance

Scheduling preventive maintenance for your central A/C unit is the best way to make sure you’ll have reliable and efficient cool air all summer long. During an A/C maintenance inspection, a professional HVAC technician will examine all critical components of the central air conditioning unit, thoroughly clean the coils inside the unit, check refrigerant levels and recommend any needed repairs.

This information is provided as a general guideline. Althoff Industries does not assume any liability resulting from the provided information.