SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - It's a familiar sound this time of year...the hum of the air conditioner...and now's the time to make sure it's running properly.
There are several things you can do to make sure your cooling unit is working efficiently.
One of them is by checking your air filter. Jim Allen...an HVAC instructor at a Springfield college..says most filters need to be changed every 30 days. The pleated type can last longer than 30 days in some cases.
Allen says you can tell when things aren't running smoothly. He says you're going to hear more noise out of your vent...and you may hear popping noises in the duct work.
He adds that when you clean the compressor outside to not use a hose to clean it...instead hire a professional technician to clean it. They typically use a cleaning foam instead.
City Utilities has energy efficient tips to save money this season:
1. Save 3-5% of your a/c costs for each degree you set your rmostat warmer in .
2. Heat and cool your home as needed by adjusting rmostat accordingly when you are sleeping or when no one is home.
3. Check for air leaks... then caulk or weather-strip holes or cracks around windows...electrical outlets.
4. Clean or replace air return filters two to three times during the summer.
5. Ceiling or portable fans make you feel 6-8 degrees cooler..which allows for higher rmostat settings and more energy savings.
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