Maintain your air conditioner

A clean air conditioner provides maximum air flow and uses energy more efficiently. Keep yours clean and efficient through proper maintenance.

How to maintain your air conditioner

Follow these easy steps to ensure that your air conditioner is properly maintained and running efficiently:

• Clean or replace the air filters at least once every three months during the cooling season. (Whether the air filter needs to be cleaned or replaced depends on the type of air filter your air conditioner uses.) Some sources recommend cleaning or replacing air filters more often, either once or twice a month.[1][2] Keeping air filters clean can increase air conditioner efficiency by 5 to 15 percent.[3]
• Periodically check the inside evaporator coil for dust and debris, and clean when needed. A coating of dust can act as insulation around the coil, making it difficult for it to absorb heat.
• Minimize the amount of debris around the condenser coil outside. Keep foliage trimmed to at least 2 feet away from the unit to maximize efficient air flow. If debris and dust have collected around the condenser coil, clear it away as soon as possible.
• Hire a technician to perform yearly assessments of your central air system. Technicians can check the level of refrigerant, measure the air flow over the coils, and clean and inspect all other parts of the air conditioner.[4]

Maintaining your air conditioner helps you go green because…

• Correcting air flow problems and keeping your air conditioner clean can increase its energy efficiency by up to 15 percent.[5] By using less energy, your air conditioner will contribute fewer climate-changing greenhouse gases.

Americans make up just 5 percent of the world's population, but use 26 percent of the total energy consumed on the planet. Ninety percent of residential energy consumed in America is due to household appliances, such as heating and cooling systems,[6] which can make up as much as half of a household energy bill.[2] Energy production and consumption increase CO₂ concentrations in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect, global warming, and climate change. The average American home emits 23,000 pounds of CO₂ into the atmosphere per year.[6] Optimizing the efficiency of your air conditioner through regular maintenance will reduce the electricity required to run it, and will therefore reduce the CO₂ emissions associated with its operation.[7]

Related health issues

A functioning, clean filter will remove dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria from the air, reducing nasal congestion, asthma attacks, and allergic reactions. A dirty filter may aggravate or trigger asthma attacks and allergies since it will not effectively clean incoming air.

External links

• Consumer Reports - Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips
• Popular Mechanics - Room Air Conditioner Maintenance

Footnotes

1. Applianceaid.com - Filter Cleaning
2. ENERGY STAR - Heat & Cool Efficiently
3. EERE Consumer's Guide - Maintaining your Air Conditioner
4. Iowa Energy Center - Keep AC Costs and Energy Use Down with Easy Maintenance
5. ENERGY STAR - Maintenance Checklist
6. Solar Energy International - Energy Facts
7. Power Scorecard - Reduce Your Energy Consumption