With the arrival of summer and its scorching temperatures, ensuring your air conditioning unit is working efficiently is essential. To keep your home cool and comfortable, it's crucial to regularly check if your air conditioning system is functioning properly. Here are several signs from Warner Service that indicate your A/C unit is cooling your home effectively:
The air filter is clean.
The first step in ensuring your air conditioning unit is working efficiently is to check the air filter. A clean air filter is vital for optimal performance and indoor air quality. You should change your air conditioner's air filter about once a month, especially during peak usage times like summer. This is particularly important if your home has an abundance of smoke, hair, pet dander, and other allergens or pathogens. A clogged filter can restrict airflow, making it harder for the unit to cool your home and leading to higher energy bills.
The thermostat is functioning.
Ensure that your thermostat is on and functioning correctly. Whether you've just changed the batteries or had it serviced, the thermostat should be set to "cool" and not "auto." It should also be accurately reflecting the indoor temperature. A properly functioning thermostat is essential for temperature control and helps in determining if your air conditioning system is cooling your home effectively.
You can hear fan noise.
Listen for the fan on the blower. If you can hear the fan whirring and see the blades moving, your blower is working. This component is crucial for circulating cool air throughout your home. The air handler, which contains the blower, ensures that conditioned air is distributed evenly across your living spaces.
...But not too loud.
While you might hear a slight whirring of the blower fans, your air conditioning unit's overall operation should be relatively quiet. Loud noises can indicate issues such as loose parts or a malfunctioning compressor. A quiet unit generally means it is properly maintained and functioning optimally, especially in hot, humid weather.
It’s cooler inside.
One of the simplest ways to check if your air conditioning unit is cooling your home is to assess the indoor temperature. If it's cooler inside than outside, your air conditioning system is likely functioning correctly.
According to SFGATE, you can also check the temperature difference when the outdoor temperature reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. When this happens, set your thermostat for a temperature significantly below room temperature.
Let the unit run long enough to reach the set temperature, then place a refrigerator thermometer inside one of your A/C’s supply ducts for ten minutes. Afterward, measure the temperature at the return ducts. Subtract the first number from the second, and if the difference is more than 14 degrees, the unit is good to go.
Your home has adequate insulation.
During an HVAC maintenance check-up, a technician can determine whether your home is properly insulated. Adequate insulation reduces the workload on your air conditioning unit, ensuring it can cool your home more efficiently and keep your energy bills in check.
The sunlight isn't heating things up.
Natural light is beautiful and can passively heat your home, but when it's already warm outside, it can raise indoor temperatures and make your air conditioning unit work harder. Close the blinds and draw the curtains during the hottest parts of the day to help maintain a cooler indoor environment. This simple step can significantly reduce the strain on your air conditioning system and improve its efficiency.
The outdoor unit is clear.
Ensure that the outdoor unit is free from natural debris such as leaves, sticks, and nesting from unwelcome critters. These can obstruct airflow and reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning unit. Regularly check the area around the unit and keep it clear of any obstructions to ensure it operates effectively.
The ducts are open and without leaks.
Duct systems play a vital role in distributing conditioned air throughout your home. Inspect your duct systems for any leaks or blockages. Leaky ducts can cause cool air to escape, reducing the efficiency of your air conditioning system and leading to higher utility bills. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the performance of your HVAC unit and ensure that cool air reaches all areas of your home.
The temperature is similar across rooms.
Check the temperature in various living spaces, such as living rooms and bedrooms. If certain areas of your home are significantly warmer than others, it could indicate an issue with your air conditioning system. Ensuring balanced temperature control throughout your home is essential for comfort and energy efficiency.
You've had scheduled maintenance.
Regular professional maintenance is crucial for keeping your air conditioning system in top condition. Technicians can identify and fix potential issues before they become major problems. They can also clean and service components such as the air handler, return ducts, and supply ducts, ensuring that your system operates at peak efficiency.
Everything is set up correctly.
Modern air conditioning units are designed to be easy to install and maintain. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation and maintenance. Regularly check all components, including the gas furnace if your system is integrated with a heating system, to ensure they are working correctly.
Conclusion
Ensuring that your air conditioning unit is cooling your home effectively involves a combination of regular maintenance, monitoring, and strategic measures to enhance efficiency. By keeping your air filter clean, checking thermostat functionality, listening for fan noise, monitoring indoor temperature, ensuring quiet operation, maintaining adequate insulation, controlling sunlight, clearing the outdoor unit, and inspecting duct systems, you can optimize the performance of your air conditioning system.
Regular professional maintenance and adherence to manufacturer guidelines also play a critical role in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment and keeping energy bills manageable. If your AC unit is in need of a maintenance check or routine service, contact Warner Service for a service visit.
