Winter is here. It’s time to put away the swimsuits and sunscreen and unpack the doonas and hoodies. It’s also the perfect opportunity to switch from cooling to heating your home.
Want to get the most out of your air conditioner? This article has the tips and tricks you need to keep your comfort levels high and energy bills low. That way, you can stay cosy this winter, no matter what Mother Nature has in store.
Check Your Filters
The summer can push even the best filters to the test. Open up your air conditioning unit, and you’ll probably find a mixture of pollen, dirt, and debris. If you want the filters in your unit to maintain optimal air quality throughout the winter, make sure to clean or replace them.
More proactive homeowners can keep their air conditioners in tip-top shape by swapping them out every 12 months. Checking your filters during peak months can help your system handle a heavy workload.
Dial Back the Temperature
It’s freezing outside. Dialling back the thermostat sounds counterintuitive. While lowering the temperature in your home might not be your first instinct, it can make your air conditioning system more efficient. As a rule of thumb, you should set the temperature no higher than 21-22°C.
A few degrees can make a massive difference in your home’s energy efficiency. Setting the temperature a few degree’s lower can reduce your energy consumption by 5% to 10% without compromising on comfort. That can translate to a few hundred dollars in savings each year.
Clean Your AC Unit
Fresh filters? Check. Lower temperature? Check. Now it’s time to give your air conditioning system the deep clean it deserves. Removing unwanted debris can dramatically improve your energy and money savings.
Start by switching the power off. It’s important to abide by the terms of your warranty when cleaning, to ensure you do not void your coverage. Units vary from system to system, so also make sure you reference your manuals/user guides. Once you make it through these steps, vacuum and wipe down the internal louvres. Believe it or not, these components collect their fair share of dead insects, dirt, grass, and cobwebs.
While cleaning your AC unit might not seem like a high priority, taking a few minutes to wipe it down can provide you with an entire winter of comfort.
Other Ways to Keep Your Home Cosy
Now that we have your attention on air conditioning, you might as well do a home audit. Look for areas that need draft-proofing or could benefit from window seals. Don’t forget to check your insulation, too. Energy Star estimates that new insulation reduces energy bills by an average of 11%.
At Valley Air, we have the skills and service you need to prepare your air conditioner for winter so if you would like to book in a service for your air conditioner please do not hesitate to contact us.
