Sunny Windows, Shady Trees and Other Non-Electrical Supports to HVAC

Day in and day out, your air conditioner works hard to keep you comfortable, making it one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. Some cooling systems even improve air quality by filtering dirt, dust, and other particles from the air you breathe, making them a valuable addition to any residence. Although cooling systems are essential for comfortable living, you must know how they work and take care of them properly. Homeowners should keep these facts in mind when buying new HVAC systems or maintaining existing ones.

1. Ignoring your air conditioning system can create expensive problems. 

Whether you have central air or a simple window unit, be on the lookout for leaks, which usually occur when something prevents the air conditioner from draining properly. When the unit doesn't drain properly, water can back up into your home, leading to extensive water damage. Leaky air conditioners have been known to damage insulation, flooring, and ceilings. In severe cases, the water comes into contact with electrical wires, increasing the risk for a fire. If you notice water pooling under your window unit or dripping from ducts, call a maintenance service immediately.

2. Central air conditioners use more power than most appliances. 

A central air conditioner typically uses about 15,000 watts of power per hour, which is more than three times higher than the hourly power consumption of a washer, dryer, electric range, refrigerator, and desktop computer put together. Maintaining your central air conditioner properly can help you improve its efficiency and reduce your energy bills at the same time. Proper maintenance includes vacuuming the vents, keeping the outdoor condenser unit clean, and clearing the drain line. If you are installing central air for the first time, ask your contractor to avoid putting duct work in the attic. Keeping the ducts in the air-conditioned living space reduces energy usage. Insulating the ducts properly will also make the system more efficient.

3. You don't have to go without central air if your home does not already have duct work in place. 

One reason so many homeowners skip the central air conditioning and use window units instead is because not all homes have the required duct work. Creating a system of ducts is an expensive undertaking, leaving budget-conscious homeowners to use window units that aren't as effective as a central cooling system. The good news is that you can still enjoy the benefits of central air without paying for duct work. A mini-split system includes an outdoor condenser, but the condenser is linked to the interior of the home with several types of tubing instead of ducts. With this type of system, you can enjoy ice-cold air without having a duct system installed.

4. Your air conditioner can help you stay healthy . . . or it can make you sick. 

Sure, air conditioning makes your home more comfortable, but did you know it might also save your life someday? The air conditioner is just one of many inventions that have increased the average life expectancy for humans, as using an air conditioner can help you avoid heat-related illnesses. Despite the benefits of using an air conditioner, your AC system can make you sick if you do not maintain it properly. Some units harbor dangerous bacteria that have been linked to respiratory illnesses. If you have not had your air conditioner serviced in several years, hire an HVAC contractor that offers air conditioning maintenance services.

If you're like most people, you can't live without your air conditioner during the blistering summer months. To ensure your air conditioner operates efficiently and does not cause costly damage, have it serviced each year. Regular service keeps these systems clean, prevents small problems from turning into big ones, and gives you the peace of mind of knowing that your system is in good working order. Contact a company like Baton Rouge Air Conditioning & Heating to learn more.