Whether you have an old or new air conditioner, the experts at Carrano Air HVAC Contractors Inc. can give you some tips on efficiency, ease of maintenance and more. Call us today!
Have you ever thought about upgrading to a new air conditioner? Before you make the financial commitment of purchasin
g a new air conditioner, consider exploring some options to extend the life of your current unit.
Homeowners can take several steps to improve the performance of their old air conditioner. And as air conditioning repair experts in Princeton, we can provide on-site assistance to improve the performance and efficiency of your existing air conditioning system, so you can delay installing a new system. You can also check out Carrano Air HVAC Contractors Inc.’s complete guide below to learn how to improve the function of an old air conditioner.
Change the Filters More Frequently for Efficiency and Air Quality
Normally it is enough to change the air filter of a device once a year. However, an older system can absorb dust and dirt more easily. In this case, you should try changing your filter more frequently, about every six months.
Do you live in an area with a lot of dust, pollen or humidity? Change filters every two months to maximize airflow from the air conditioner and better regulate temperatures.
Another option is to replace the air filter with one with a lower MERV rating, which won’t restrict airflow as much and may allow you to get the most out of your system. The downside is that the lower quality filter will not clean the property’s indoor air as effectively.
Remove Debris Near the Outdoor Unit to Clear the Vents
In central air conditioning, an outdoor unit emits heat. This happens via the condenser coils, which liquefy the hot cooling gas.
However, plants, grass, and other debris that accumulate near the device can block the vents. This blockage restricts airflow and makes the system significantly less efficient. If you want to increase the energy efficiency of your system, be sure to remove all vegetation within two to three feet of the condenser for safety reasons.
Sweep Floors and Vacuum Vents to Ease the Strain on the Filters
A cleaner home means that less dust and other contaminants will find their way into the air ducts and the air conditioning filters. Regular sweeping and dusting keep these pesky particulates from infiltrating your system, which helps safeguard the unit’s performance and the air quality it produces.
Be extra vigilant if you have pets that shed. And don’t forget to vacuum the vent covers every few weeks to avoid clogs. Blockages will put unnecessary strain on your system, which will shorten its useful life and drive up your monthly energy bills.
Clean Drain Lines to Avoid Freezes and Mold
An air conditioner produces a small amount of condensation when turned on, but excessive humidity causes problems. Are your air conditioner drains clogged? Moisture buildup could freeze on the coils and other internal components of your device, causing endless complications.
Cleaning your drain lines regularly will remove this excess moisture. Use a mixture of bleach and water and pour a cup of bleach along the line before rinsing with warm water. It must be able to remove sediment and other materials that tend to harden and clog drains.
Insulate Your Ducts to Minimize Damage and Optimize Air Flow
In some cases, figuring out how to make an old air conditioner work better means grappling with inefficiency due to dirty or poorly maintained plumbing. Air can escape through holes and cracks, meaning the cooling or heating system has to work harder to compensate for this disadvantage.
Experts recommend carrying out a visual inspection of the pipes every few months. Are there holes or cracks? Call an expert like Carrano Air HVAC Contractors Inc. to fix the problem.
We may also recommend replacing the insulation around your ducts with common types of duct insulation such as fiberglass or mineral wool. Replacing old insulation prevents heat from entering or cool air from escaping, reducing pressure on your device. Installing new duct insulation also promises a relatively high return on investment.
Reseal Windows and Doors to Manage Controlled Temperatures Better
According to the Department of Energy, about 30% of a typical home’s energy loss is through windows or doors. So one way to increase the efficiency of the air conditioner would be to close these vents to eliminate the weak points. Sealing the edges of doors and windows will make your home more comfortable and significantly reduce your energy bills.
In order to properly seal your doors and windows, you may need to remove existing paneling and insulation. Experts usually close the gaps with caulk and apply a new layer of caulk. They may also suggest replacing single pane windows with double pane windows for better adhesion.
Clean Coils Don’t Work As Hard to Cool or Heat Your Home
The evaporator and condenser coils play a crucial role in the heat transfer process. Coolant flows through them, allowing the coils to extract heat from the air and emit excess heat to the outside. However, dust and dirt affect the operation of the coil because they reduce the total surface area in contact with the air.
If you want your device to be in peak condition during the hottest time of year, clean the coils in early spring or summer. However, always turn off the power before performing any work. And after removing the outer cover and fan, gently clean the coils with a soft brush and a mixture of detergent and warm water.
Adjust the Thermostat to See If That Helps Your Unit Work More Efficiently
Sometimes energy efficiency issues arise when the thermostat is set to the wrong temperature setting. The US Department of Energy recommends 78 degrees for the best balance of cooling performance and energy efficiency. However, you can save even more by adjusting temperatures for different times of the day.
For example, modern programmable thermostats allow you to change the temperature at set times. In the evening, when the outside temperature drops, you can reduce the volume. You can also turn on ceiling fans to reduce the cooling load.
Schedule Regular Maintenance with Local Experts like Carrano Air HVAC Contractors Inc.
By far the best tip to improve the operation of an old air conditioner is to implement a regular maintenance schedule. Regular optimizations balance your system so that it works as efficiently as possible. Additionally, maintenance detects potential problems long before they require costly repairs.
Schedule professional air conditioning maintenance every six months for optimal results. A typical session includes the following:
- Changing air filters
- Testing electrical connections
- Calibrating thermostats
- Cleaning components
- Flushing drain lines
Don’t Discount the Benefits of a New Air Conditioner
Cost is the main reason to improve the cooling performance of your old device instead of buying a new one. Installing a new air conditioner can be expensive, and everyone wants to get the most out of their investment. However, if upgrading your old air conditioner doesn’t result in the performance improvement you’re hoping for, you may need to carefully weigh the benefits.
Installing a new air conditioner may require installing new plumbing, which can result in annoying extra costs. Is your old system compatible with your existing plumbing? It may only require minor adjustments to achieve better performance, which is well worth it.
When Should I Get a New Air Conditioner?
A typical residential air conditioner lasts about 15 years. Maintenance routines could extend the lifespan for a few more years. However, you need to replace your device if you notice any of the following signs:
- You have to repair your air conditioner more than twice a year
- Your utility bills keep getting higher
- Your unit takes a long time to turn on or reach a programmed temperature
- You smell smoking or burning smells in your vents
- Your air conditioner leaks coolant fluid
- You hear loud grinding or scraping sounds when you turn on your unit
A common industry rule is that you should install a new air conditioner when the repair cost is at least half the replacement cost. For example, if a contractor offers $5,000 for repairs, but it costs $8,000 to install a new system, a replacement is preferable. You can easily offset that extra $3,000 in energy savings and life extension of a new system.
FAQs about How To Work Smoothly A Old Air Conditioner Unit:
Q: How can I make my old air conditioner work better?
There are a few things you can do to make your old air conditioner work better:
- Clean the coils: The coils in your air conditioner are responsible for transferring heat from the air to the outside. If they are dirty, they will not be able to transfer heat as efficiently, which can make your air conditioner work harder and less efficiently. To clean the coils, you can use a vacuum cleaner or a brush.
- Change the filter: The filter in your air conditioner helps to remove dirt and dust from the air. If the filter is dirty, it will restrict airflow, which can make your air conditioner work harder and less efficiently. To change the filter, follow the instructions in your air conditioner’s owner’s manual.
- Seal any leaks: If there are any leaks in your ductwork, it can cause cool air to escape, which can make your air conditioner work harder and less efficiently. To seal any leaks, you can use duct tape or mastic.
- Get it serviced: If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it is a good idea to have it serviced by a qualified technician. The technician can check the air conditioner for leaks, clean the coils, and replace the filter.
Q: How often should I clean the coils on my air conditioner?
The frequency with which you should clean the coils on your air conditioner will depend on the environment in which it is located. If you live in a dusty area, you may need to clean the coils more often. In general, you should clean the coils at least once a year.
Q: How often should I change the filter on my air conditioner?
The frequency with which you should change the filter on your air conditioner will depend on the amount of use it gets. If you use your air conditioner frequently, you may need to change the filter every month. If you use your air conditioner less frequently, you may be able to change the filter every three months.
Q: How can I tell if my air conditioner is leaking?
There are a few signs that your air conditioner may be leaking:
- You may see water dripping from the unit.
- You may hear a hissing sound coming from the unit.
- Your energy bills may be higher than usual.
- Your air conditioner may not be cooling as well as it used to.
If you see any of these signs, it is important to have your air conditioner serviced by a qualified technician.
Q: What are the benefits of making my old air conditioner work better?
There are a few benefits to making your old air conditioner work better:
- You can save money on your energy bills.
- You can improve the comfort of your home.
- You can extend the life of your air conditioner.
Schedule Industry-Leading HVAC Services in South Brunswick Today!
Now that you know how to make an old air conditioner work better, you may have questions for our experienced team at Carrano Air HVAC Contractors Inc. Ask or call us for reliable repair and maintenance services that can breathe new life into your air contact us. Air conditioner. Are you planning to modernize your air conditioning system? Contact Carrano Air HVAC Contractors Inc. online or call (732) 329-3784 today!