Fin Comb

If you could put more money in your pocket, this summer, would you? Well, you can, reducing your cooling bill. Chances are, it is higher than it should be. You'll be surprised what you can save. No sacrifice required. Check out these tips for quick and easy maintenance that can put you on your way to lower costs in no time.

Facts about your central AC

Your central air conditioning (AC) circulates fresh air into your house through the supply and return ducts (often the same channels used for heating in winter). One typical central air conditioning system has an evaporator, condenser and compressor in one cabinet located outside the house (usually on a concrete slab right beside him), or alternately, a condenser and compressor and evaporator to the outside in a separate cabinet, inside (usually in the basement or crawl space). Both systems have a fan that pushes air through the coil inside the evaporator where it is cooled, dehumidified, and forwarded through the duct into the house. The heat captured by the evaporator is transferred to the condenser (outside) to dissipate.

Change the air filter

This is the single most important thing you can do to help keep your system working at full capacity. The air moving through the evaporator is cleaned before it is reached by a filter located in the duct return air (usually at hand in a wall or ceiling, or cooling itself). Dirty filters and clogged with regular use, the dirtier they get, the less air passes through the system. The air passes through dirty is right at the evaporator. The dirt is still preventing the evaporator air flow, reduces the capacity of the evaporator to absorb heat and can reduce the effectiveness of your system by up to 10 percent. Without forgetting, that polluted air is distributed back into your home.

The air filters are made by a number of manufacturers and come in a variety of types and effectiveness.

* Most residential systems use glass fiber 1 inch or 2 inch Flat or pleated "throwaway" filters (filters thick can hold more dust, but are not necessarily more effective).

* There are also "permanent filters type" mesh, electrostatic and electronic, some with pre-filters that collect dust particles more.

* If you or a family member has allergies or sensitivity to dust or other particles (eg, tobacco smoke, pollen or animal dander), consider using a High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter, also known as a HEPA filter. They are specially constructed filters that allow a large volume of air to pass through them while preventing even very small particles.

* If you have questions about the right filter for your system, do not guess, check with a professional service technician.

Whatever type of air filter you use, inspect and either clean or replace them once a month during the peak cooling season or more often if you live in dusty conditions or with pets . Never operate your system without the filter in place.

Evaporator coils clean and Ends

While you regularly change your air filter, dust will accumulate on the evaporator again over time. Check your cooler at least once a year and clean them if necessary, using a vacuum cleaner with brush, careful not to bend the fins.

Clean the condenser coils and fins

condensers and fins (outside) are also vulnerable to dirt - from debris and leaves falling from trees, grass clippings raised by the lawnmower, and lint from a dryer nearby wind - yes, check the capacitor at the beginning of the cooling season. Turn off power to the unit and use the following checklist:

* Gently remove Debri.