A little TLC for your AC will save you big bucks

by whatworks on June 29, 2010

All AC systems need maintenance to perform well.

Get Your Cooling System in Top Shape

Getting your air conditioner inspected and tuned-up is like getting your car’s oil changed before going on a long road trip – only in this case the long trip is the hot summer months!  A tune-up now will give you peace of mind that your system will work reliably and efficiently when you need it most. And you’ll stay more comfortable for less money, since a well-maintained system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool.

Extend the Life of your System

“Whether your air conditioner or cooling system is new or several years old, it still needs to be maintained regularly to avoid costly breakdowns and extend the life of your system,” says Eric Van Orden, Energy Efficiency Manager at Standard Renewable Energy (www.sre3.com). “Your system is exposed to harsh environments throughout the year, such as extreme temperature and weather conditions that can cause major wear and tear. Debris and other items have a tendency to build up around your cooling units, restricting airflow and forcing your system to work harder and use more electricity.”

Avoid Costly Breakdowns

Van Orden points out there are several other checkpoints a professional can inspect to ensure your system is going to be operating at peak performance all summer. A few things Van Orden says to consider during a tune-up are:

  • Lubricate all moving parts
  • Check for adequate refrigerant charge
  • Check for any possible leaks
  • Check that the blower motor and wheels are working properly
  • Ensure wiring, connections, and voltage/amperages to motors are in good condition
  • Replace filters to increase air flow and improve air quality

A professional should check these along with the overall performance and operating condition of your cooling system. This is an easy way to make sure you won’t get stuck in the heat this summer.

Cooling your home is one of the most costly expenses you incur as a homeowner, so it is important to keep your system tuned and maintained. Not only will it help prevent you from having to replace your system too early, but also with regular tune-ups your system will operate more efficiently and you’ll save money on your energy costs.

About Standard Renewable Energy

Standard Renewable Energy (SRE), now a Gridpoint company, is a leading provider of energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy solutions for residential, commercial and government clients. Products and services include solar, energy monitoring services, energy audits, high-efficiency heating and cooling products, high efficiency insulation and lighting, solar window film, and more. For further information visit their website at www.sre3.com.

About Gridpoint

GridPoint is committed to building a clean, efficient energy future.  We empower key stakeholders in the energy ecosystem – utilities, enterprises, consumers – with the visibility and control required to more efficiently distribute and consume energy.  Our smart energy solutions consist of software, hardware and services that integrate, aggregate and manage sources of energy consumption, generation and storage.  An enterprise-class platform provides a shared foundation for our products, creating a common point of integration, asset provisioning and real-time management.  GridPoint customers include Fortune 100 retail and restaurant chains, leading North American utilities and thousands of residential energy consumers.  For more information, please visit www.gridpoint.com.

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