Many people are looking to save on their energy bills by making their air conditioning near Seattle as efficient as possible. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to promote the efficiency of your air conditioner. Read on to learn about some easy ways to help your HVAC system save energy .

Inspect Your Air Filters

A clogged filter can make your air conditioning system work on overdrive. Thus, it’s important to check and replace your filters regularly to increase the lifespan of your HVAC system, cut costs on your energy bills, and reduce the amount of dust and allergens circulating through your home. Check your filters monthly and consider calling an HVAC professional if you need help replacing them.

Consider the Location of Your Unit and Thermostat

In order to keep your air conditioning unit working efficiently, avoid installing your unit and thermostat in an area that gets a lot of sun. Placing your unit in a shaded location will make cooling the surrounding air easier. In addition, keep your unit’s thermostat away from heat-producing objects, such as lamps, television sets, computers, and other electronics. Your air conditioner will run longer than it needs to if it senses these nearby sources of heat.

Adjust the Dial

Keep the thermostat at 78 degrees or higher to significantly reduce your energy consumption. It’s especially important to turn the dial before you leave the house so that your air conditioning unit won’t be running while your home is unoccupied. If you frequently forget to adjust the temperature before heading out, you might want to consider installing a programmable “smart thermostat” or timer so that this important task is completed automatically.

Weatherize Your Home

Prevent cool air from leaking out of your home by caulking and weather-stripping problem areas. You may also want to insulate your air conditioning ducts to prevent energy losses if they run through unconditioned areas such as your attic or crawlspace. Finally, applying window film to your windows can also help reduce the energy required to maintain a cool temperature in your home.

While Seattle is known for being a damp, rainy place, the city has recently experienced hot, dry summers that are only getting warmer. July of 2015 was the hottest month on record in Seattle’s history, with temperatures topping out at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Instead of suffering through another hot summer, consider getting air conditioning so that you can be comfortable in your own home. Air conditioners give you the option to only use them when you need to, and not when you don’t. Your home’s security can also benefit, as you won’t have to have open windows for air circulation. Check out this infographic to learn more about why it’s a good idea to get an air conditioner in Seattle , and to learn about a few of your options.

Are you considering installing ductless air conditioning near Seattle ? Ductless air conditioning is a great choice for residential or commercial buildings that have non-ducted heating systems or lack space for adding ductwork. Keep reading to get the scoop on what a ductless air conditioner can do for you.

How It Works

A ductless mini-split air conditioner is composed of two main elements. One, the compressor and condenser, is installed outdoors. The other is an indoor unit that diffuses air throughout the room. The two components are connected by a conduit, which contains the multiple cables and tubing that the system requires. Several indoor air handling units may simultaneously be connected to one outdoor unit. The result is that each indoor unit handles the temperature in its own “zone,” meaning that you can control the heating and cooling system in each room individually.

How It Looks

Ductless mini-split systems are small and relatively easy to install. Installation of the conduit only requires a small hole in the wall about three inches in diameter, so it won’t require a major remodel. The indoor units of ductless air conditioners can be installed in the most convenient place for you, whether that’s hanging from the ceiling or the wall. And their sleek packaging blends seamlessly with your interior design. Placement of the outdoor unit is equally flexible; it can be installed at a distance of up to 50 feet from the indoor unit, meaning you can choose an inconspicuous location near your building.

How It Saves Energy

Ductless mini-split systems can help you save on your energy expenses in a few ways. Most air conditioning systems that use ducts run through spaces that are not temperature controlled, such as the attic or crawlspace. This leads to energy losses and causes your cooling system to work extra hard. As mini-split systems don’t use ducts, they avoid this loss of energy. In addition, the flexibility of mini-split systems also helps you save energy and money by allowing you to cool only the spaces that are occupied at a given time.

Having trouble with your air conditioning in Seattle? One of the most frustrating things that can happen on a sweaty summer day is for your air conditioner to break for an unknown reason. Sometimes a simple fix can get your unit working properly, while other times it is necessary to call in the expertise of a professional. To learn more about some of the common problems that occur with air conditioning units, keep reading.

User Error

That’s right—air conditioner units most commonly have issues because of improper use. When your air conditioner is on, make sure that all of the windows and outside doors in your house are closed. It’s also your responsibility to make sure that your air conditioning unit is properly maintained. That means keeping the air conditioning filters and coils clean to avoid premature compressor or fan failure. Finally, thoroughly read through user manual for some basic operating rules that can increase the lifetime of your air conditioning unit and prevent future problems from occurring.

Refrigerant Leaks

If your unit is low on refrigerant, it is likely that you have a refrigerant leak. Refilling your unit’s refrigerant won’t solve this problem. You’ll need to call a professional technician to repair the leak and refill the repaired system with refrigerant. That’s because it’s important that the refrigerant charge precisely matches the manufacturer’s recommendations. If it is undercharged or overcharged, your air conditioning unit won’t work as it should.

Thermostat Sensor Issues

If your unit is behaving strangely by turning on and off at random periods, cycling constantly, or varying heating and cooling options, it’s likely that there is a problem with your thermostat sensor. The thermostat sensor is located behind the control panel and works to calculate the room’s air temperature. It can become dislodged, resulting in faulty temperature measurements. Check and make sure that the sensor is in place behind—but not touching—the evaporative coil. You can adjust the position of the sensor by moving the wire that holds it in place.

Do you use an air conditioner near Seattle ? It goes without saying that you want to keep your air conditioning unit working properly for a long time to come. One of the most important things you can do to maintain the condition of your air conditioner is to change its filter.

Watch this video to learn more about the process of changing an air conditioner filter. First, turn your electric furnace switch off. Then, reach in and pull your filter out. Make sure that the filter is the proper size for your unit. Also, make sure the filter is facing the right direction. It’s important to keep the filter clean so that it doesn’t reduce the air flow of your unit. Then, replace the filter, double-checking that it is facing the right direction.

When you purchase a new air conditioner, you may want to ask your HVAC professional to provide you with energy saving tips. There are several methods that you can use to help your air conditioner run more efficiently. For example, you should make sure that all of your windows and doors are properly sealed. If your home has gaps or holes between your window frames, you may find that your air conditioning loses efficiency.

A company that specializes in air conditioning near Seattle can help you install or maintain your air conditioner to enjoy energy-efficient cooling this summer and many summers to come. For a closer look at some great tips for saving money on your air conditioning bill, check out this video from Modern Homemakers.

The summer season is just around the corner, and now is a great time to start thinking about purchasing a new air conditioner for your home. With a brand new air conditioner, you can ensure that your home is maintained at a cool, comfortable temperature, even on the hottest days. A company offering air conditioner and furnace service in Seattle can help you choose the best new air conditioner for your home cooling needs. With help from your HVAC professionals, you can get a head start on beating the heat during the summer months. Here is a closer look at some essential tips for purchasing your new air conditioner.

Learn About SEER Ratings

When you are shopping for a new air conditioner , it is essential to find a unit that will provide your home with fantastic efficiency. In order to help you compare different air conditioner efficiencies, the EPA has developed SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings. A unit with a higher SEER will offer better efficiency for your home.

Consider Proper Sizing

Along with evaluating the SEER of several different units, you may also want to ask your ac technician about proper sizing for your new unit. In order to cool your home effectively, an air conditioner should be sized for the square footage of your home. An air conditioner that is too large will use too much energy, and may cause your energy bills to rise dramatically during the summer months.

Ask About Installation

In order to get the best performance from your air conditioner, you should also make sure that your ac unit is installed properly. A team of HVAC professionals serving your local area will have the tools and training required to provide you with top quality air conditioner installation services. After your new AC unit has been installed, you can start enjoying cool comfort at home. Your heating and cooling company can answer all of your questions about air conditioning installations.