Tag: air conditioning

Steps to Keep Your Air Conditioning Working Efficiently

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

So often we don’t think about our air conditioning equipment until it stops working, but by then, the service call and repairs can really be costly. The wiser plan is to take the necessary steps to assure your air conditioning system is working efficiently, thereby extending its life and avoiding costly repairs. Cooling costs make up the largest part of most household’s utility costs, so attention to reducing air conditioning costs is imperative.

Your air conditioner working at its best efficiency not only saves you repair woes, but will also save you money each and every month. Just a few steps during the year are all that is needed.

First, take steps to allow your air conditioning system to work more easily. These steps include:

  • Change the filter regularly – at least once a month during the summer, but more often if you have pets or other dusty conditions.
  • Make sure your home is as insulated as possible. Replace any seals that are worn out and are letting cool air escape.
  • Reduce heat sources as much as possible during summer months. Opt to cook out on the grill instead of run the oven. Use light bulbs that do not put off heat. Shut off lights that are not needed as they produce heat.
  • Plant trees and shrubbery around your home, keeping in mind that the more you can curtail that hot sun, the less your air conditioning has to work to keep your home cool in the summer.
  • Use ceiling fans – there is debate on whether these just make you feel cooler or actually do cool a room, but if using them means you feel cool enough to set the thermostat a degree or two higher, that will save your air conditioner from working as hard.

Second, maintain your air conditioning equipment to keep it running efficiently:

  • An annual service visit from an air conditioning expert will refresh your system and alert you to any issues it may be experiencing. They will check the unit, the thermostat, and your duct work to be sure everything works optimally. They may also be helpful in advising you when to consider a newer system that is rated higher for efficiency.
  • Have an air conditioning company install a programmable thermostat so you can set it to higher temperatures when you don’t need it as cool, like when you are at work.

The ideal time to have your air conditioner serviced is before the summer season begins. This way, any issues can be addressed before you find yourself sweltering in the heat and hoping they can squeeze you in as soon as possible. Air conditioning companies are really kept hopping during the summer, so it can take longer to get to you and also to get parts. A service call is generally higher during peak times as well. Repairs are always more costly than preventative maintenance, so having your unit serviced at least annually will save you money down the road.

To schedule routine maintenance of your system call Acosta at [phone] or click here to schedule online.

The Advantages of Ductless Air Conditioning

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Split ductless air conditioning is a good way to add air conditioning to multiple rooms without having to install ductwork and open up drywall. Ductless air conditioning systems have an exterior condenser and an indoor evaporator unit that holds the coil and a fan.

Bringing a ductless air conditioner in your home is an affordable alternative to central heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, which need a network of ducts to move. Ductless air conditioning is also more efficient and much easier to maintain.

If you do not have a central air conditioning system yet, the ductless air conditioning system may be the best solution for you. Here are a few of the benefits of ductless air conditioners:

  • Quiet and discreet – Most air conditioners are noisy; these offer a much quieter alternative that won’t disrupt the mood of a room.
  • Ease of operation – Most ductless air conditioners come with remote controls to allow you to easily control the temperature of every room inside your home.
  • Small size – They are small and won’t take up much space in your home.
  • Easy to install – Without the necessary ductwork and central air unit, these air conditioners can be installed in one day rather than taking over a week with many regular air conditioners.
  • Cost-effectiveness – Air conditioners without ducts use a lot less energy than regular air conditioners, saving you money on your utilities. If you use multiple ductless air conditioning units, you get the added cost savings of being able to adjust the temperature of each room according to your needs. If you only want your bedroom cooled during the night, you don’t have to pay for cooling the whole house.

Reducing the Energy Consumption of Your Air Conditioning Unit

Posted on | by Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical

Air conditioning is now a must in any setting, whether it be your household, office, store, or other building. To make your family, guests, and customers comfortable and provide good air quality, you have to spend money to ensure maintenance and good temperatures indoors. It is no secret that it is becoming more and more of a financial burden for you, but you have a responsibility to keep the air conditioning going in those hot summer months.

Here is a list of important energy saving tips to help you get the most of your air conditioning while limiting the amount of energy you use:

  • Shade your residence from the outside – using blinds, awnings, or shutters reduces the amount of sunlight that is allowed inside, lowering the temperature indoors, so that the air conditioning unit is used less.
  • Keep doors and windows closed.
  • Know the temperature outside – increase and decrease the thermostat with the temperature. The two temperatures should be no more than 25 degrees apart. A large variance in the two temperatures is also bad for your body.
  • Make sure electronics/sources of heat are off – When you can, keep computers, game systems, printers, ovens and lights off as these all give off heat, making your air conditioning run harder. Limiting shower times can also help.
  • Avoid an elevated room humidity – try to stay away from activities that will increase the humidity in your home. This can include working out, doing laundry, or taking long showers. The air conditioning tries to lower the humidity, so when the air inside your home is humid, the unit must work harder and use more energy.