HOW TO KEEPYOUR AIR CONDITIONERRUNNING PROPERLY

A I R C E N T R A L O F T H E C A R O L I N A S . C O M

BASIC ACMAINTENANCE

Keep the unit area clean

Change the air filter

Use a programmable thermostat

Set the right temperature

Replace the fuses

Have routine maintenance/check-ups

I M P R O V E P E R F O R M A N C E A N DP R E V E N T E A R L Y R E P L A C E M E N T

CLEANTo help maximize your air conditioner’s efficiency, keep the area around the unit

free of objects and foliage to increase airflow and keep its components clean.

Keeping the unit clear of debris contributes greatly to the life of a unit. Cut back

plants and shrubs around the unit to at least 2 feet away. Constantly check for

and clear away weeds, leaves, and plant debris that can get into the unit. You

want to allow for proper clearance at the top and around all sides of the unit in

order for it to function properly. It is also a good idea to brush dirt and

obstructions from the coils and the drains before starting the unit for an

extended period of time.

K E E P T H E U N I T A R E A

CHANGE THE AIRFILTEROne of the most important things to maintain an

air conditioner just so happens to be the easiest

one for people to do, change the air filter. Dirty

air filters are the Number 1 preventable cause of

a system breakdown. If the air filter becomes

clogged by dirt and other particles, the unit can’t

produce enough airflow, resulting in a lower

volume of air and the system having to work

harder. Keeping a clean filter allows the system

to run more efficiently and reduce costs by

saving energy. New filters are not that

expensive, and keeping a clean filter without

debris will contribute to a longer lasting air

conditioning unit.

Programmable thermostats help ensure that the

air conditioner operates only when necessary.

This allows the air conditioner to maintain a

steady temperature, which prevents it from

running constantly, thus helping to conserve

energy. A programmable thermostat is a small

investment that can help save you money as it

only allows the air conditioner to operate at the

right time of the day.

USE APROGRAMMABLETHERMOSTAT

SET THE RIGHTTEMPERATUREThe ideal temperature setting for a central air

conditioner is about 78° Fahrenheit. For every

degree that you raise the thermostat above

78°, while it’s on the cooling setting, you save

up a 5-10 percent more on your cooling

costs. You can also adjust the temperature by

using ceiling fans set on the lowest setting to

circulate cold air throughout your home.

Doing this allows you to keep the

temperature on the thermostat higher and

put less pressure on the air conditioning

system.

REPLACE THEFUSES

Turn off the unit’s circuit breaker.

Remove the fuses from the disconnect box.

Purchase new fuses.

Take an old fuse with you to make sure you

purchase the right type.

Place the new fuses inside the disconnect box.

Close the disconnect box.

Turn on the unit’s circuit breaker.

R E P L A C E S T H E F U S E S E V E R Y 6 - 1 2M O N T H S , D E P E N D I N G O N U S A G E .

HAVE ROUTINECHECK-UPSFor your air conditioner to operate properly and

efficiently, a qualified professional technician

should service the unit at the beginning of each

cooling season. Like a car, a central air

conditioner is a big investment. When a

professional technician services your air

conditioner, they will make sure the various

parts are working properly and will make

adjustments that will help increase the

efficiency of your system. A professional

technician will also let you know about minor

problems that need attention before they

become expensive repairs in the future.

The steps provided will help your air conditioner run more smoothly and

efficiently. Nevertheless, these steps will only deny the inevitable for a

failing system. They may help save on major repairs and energy costs,

but if the system is already 12 to 15 years old, it may be time to consider

replacing the system.

S O U R C E : H T T P : / / A I R C E N T R A L O F T H E C A R O L I N A S . C O M / B L O G /

Maintenance and repairs on older systems can be more expensive and

they don’t operate as efficiently, whereas a new system will be much

more energy efficient and will save you a lot on energy bills.

THANK YOUA I R C E N T R A L O F T H E C A R O L I N A S . C O M