Thursday, March 4, 2010

Minimize Electric Bills

By: Fredrica Smith

Economic recession and environmental degradation are the two issues most individuals and families face today in any country. You can deal with these issues by starting right in your own home. You have to focus on your home essentials that they are working efficiently. For one, you can start by evaluating the efficiency of your air conditioner, regardless of its type.

Recent studies reveal that the biggest chunk of electricity consumption in many households can be attributed to heating and cooling costs. This can be brought about by the poor maintenance of the HVAC systems and facilities. Dirt that is accumulated in the equipment can affect the proper circulation of cool or hot temperature indoors. Such condition pushes your equipment to work doubly hard. And for it to do that, it has to consume twice as much as the total wattage per meter reading. This is the common case experienced in areas with hot temperatures. The tendency of most homeowners living in such areas is to operate their AC units almost the whole day non-stop. This then would lead to sky-high power bills. In order to have some savings, here are some suggestions in making your air conditioner units function efficiently:

Filters should always be cleaned. This component is found in a different part according to the AC type. Room air conditioners have the filter in the grill facing the room. Central air conditioning systems have filters along the ducts. Check if your unit has replaceable filters. These can be bought from AC wholesale and retail stores. Remember that the longer time frame the unit is turned on, the more dirt it can accumulate. Changing the filter at least once every two months would do your unit good. Reusable filters should be dusted weekly.

Other components that collect dirt are the evaporator and condenser coils. These components would only work well depending on the maintenance of the filters. Therefore, if the filter is dirty, the coils would be in that condition too. An annual checking of the coils would be preferable for its safeguarding. If you have air conditioner units that have outdoor condenser coils, you have to make sure that these are free from dust particles, leaves and other debris. This is because the unit itself is exposed to outdoor environment. Moreover, aluminum fins in the coils are further components that gather dirt easily. A fin comb can be used to clean this area.

The condensate drain should also be evaluated that it is not clogged. This component contributes a lot to manner of the whole unit how it reduces humidity inside the room. And there will be excessive moisture once its channels are blocked with dirt. You might face problems of staining on your walls or floor due to the dripping moisture. A thin stiff wire can be used to poke the drain channels for you to be able to see if there is any formation of blockage. If such is the case, you can use a wet dry vacuum to free the drain from any dirt.

An easy alternative through replacing your present air conditioner would save you a great deal of effort and time. There are newer energy saving AC types that promise lower electric consumption and even minimized absorption of dirt. Upon purchase of this unit, you can also take advantage of tax benefits awarded to homeowners who use energy efficient appliances and equipment. Inquire in your local area whether such remuneration is available.

Some homeowners may deem that the air conditioner is just a miscellaneous home item. But the benefits it can give you when it is efficiently working are massive. Try out the above said tips. You can surely enjoy lowered electric bills and even help improve the condition of the environment.

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