Air Conditioner maintenance and operation tips for electricity savings

One of the best ways to make sure that you save some money in summers is by making sure that your air conditioner is running well. And to make that happen, it is very important to make sure that the air conditioner is properly maintained and it is in good shape before every summer. Once installed, we hardly make any efforts to make sure that the air conditioner is in good shape and call a mechanic only when it fails. But an air conditioner that is not properly maintained can significantly increase your electricity bills.

Things to take care while air conditioner installation:

1) Make sure that there is enough space for installation, maintenance and repair of the air conditioning system at the place where you decide to install the system. If installed in a cramped space, it will be difficult to do the maintenance and it can increase your electricity bills. Make sure that it is easy to remove filters to clean them.

2) It is important to install the unit (or outdoor unit for split air conditioners) in a shaded spot. The north or east side of the house is better for installation as it prevents direct sunshine on the air conditioner.

Air Conditioner maintenance and usage tips:

1) Make sure that you get the filters of the air conditioner cleaned before the start of the summers. Dusty filters impact the inflow of air into the air conditioner thereby making it work harder (consume more electricity) to get the indoor air. If you are not aware of the cleaning tips, you can call a certified mechanic to do the same for you.

2) Recycle or change the air conditioner refrigerant periodically and get the condenser cleaned regularly to make the air conditioning more effective. You may call for professional help to do the same.

3) Check the air conditioner settings and make sure that ‘fresh air’ vent is closed. ‘Fresh Air’ vent is used to get the air outside into the room. But as air conditioner works by cooling indoor air, opening the ‘fresh air’ vent will get more hot air from outside into the room and the condenser will have to work harder to cool it.

4) Lights, computers, televisions and all light-emitting appliances radiate heat. Make sure that these devices are shut down when not in use, else they can increase air conditioning load. In fact, incandescent lights (old bulbs) radiate a lot of heat and can increase units consumed by the air conditioners.

5) Maintain the right insulation of the room where the air conditioner is installed for effective cooling. Get Best [/b]AC installation and AMC in Daliganj

6) Keep air conditioner at ideal temperature of 24-25oC for the right amount of cooling and energy saving.

7) Do not place lights, computers, televisions and another light-producing device near the air conditioner thermostat, as it will impact the proper functioning of the thermostat and thereby make the air conditioner condenser work longer and consume more electricity.

8) Using a ceiling fan with the air conditioner helps in reducing air conditioner load.

9) If you have a very old air conditioner and it needs repair regularly, it is better to replace it with energy efficient BEE star rated air conditioner. It will be cheaper to buy a new air conditioner than repairing and maintaining an old air conditioner that consumes a lot of electricity.

Maintaining and operating an air conditioner right can save a lot of electricity and can help you reduce a lot on your electricity bills. So do make sure that you get your ACs in right condition before next summers.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

This article provides comprehensive advice on how to save money on electricity bills during summer by ensuring your air conditioner runs efficiently. It emphasizes that proper maintenance and smart usage are key, rather than waiting for the unit to break down.

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Air Conditioner Installation Tips​

The article highlights two crucial aspects for air conditioner installation to ensure optimal performance and lower electricity consumption:

1. Sufficient Space: Ensure ample space is available for installation, as well as for future maintenance and repairs. A cramped installation spot can hinder maintenance and increase electricity bills. Easy access to filters for cleaning is also vital.
2. Shaded Location: Install the outdoor unit (or the entire unit for window ACs) in a shaded area, ideally on the north or east side of the house, to prevent direct sunlight exposure. This reduces the heat load on the unit, allowing it to cool more efficiently.

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Air Conditioner Maintenance and Usage Tips​

Regular maintenance and smart usage practices are crucial for energy efficiency:

1. Filter Cleaning: Clean air conditioner filters before the start of summer. Dusty filters restrict airflow, forcing the AC to work harder and consume more electricity. Professional help can be sought if unsure about cleaning procedures.
2. Refrigerant and Condenser Care: Periodically recycle or change the refrigerant and regularly clean the condenser to maintain the air conditioner's effectiveness. This is best done by a certified mechanic.
3. Close 'Fresh Air' Vent: Ensure the 'fresh air' vent is closed. This vent draws hot air from outside into the room, making the condenser work harder to cool it, thereby increasing electricity consumption. ACs are designed to cool indoor air.
4. Manage Heat-Emitting Appliances: Turn off lights, computers, televisions, and other heat-emitting appliances when not in use. These devices radiate heat, increasing the air conditioning load. Incandescent bulbs, in particular, radiate significant heat.
5. Maintain Room Insulation: Ensure proper insulation of the room where the AC is installed for effective cooling. This helps in retaining the cool air and preventing hot air from seeping in.
6. Set Ideal Temperature: Keep the air conditioner at an ideal temperature of 24-25°C. This range provides comfortable cooling while being energy efficient.
7. Thermostat Placement: Avoid placing lights, computers, televisions, or any other heat-producing devices near the air conditioner thermostat. Such devices can interfere with the thermostat's proper functioning, leading to the condenser working longer and consuming more electricity.
8. Use Ceiling Fan with AC: Operating a ceiling fan along with the air conditioner helps in circulating the cool air more effectively, which can reduce the air conditioner's load and save energy.
9. Replace Old ACs: If you have a very old air conditioner that frequently requires repairs, it is advisable to replace it with a new, energy-efficient BEE star-rated model. The long-term savings on electricity bills from a new, efficient AC will often outweigh the cost of repairing and maintaining an old, energy-guzzling unit.

In conclusion, the article stresses that by implementing these installation, maintenance, and usage tips, consumers can significantly reduce their electricity bills and ensure their air conditioners perform optimally throughout the summer.