How to Keep Your Cool and Save Cold Cash
(from a brochure published by the Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Institute, Washington, D.C.)
What are some basic rules to follow for keeping cool at minimum cost?
- Caulk, weather strip and insulate (especially the attic) to close air gaps
- Plan hot work (washing and drying clothes, baking, cooking) for cooler morning and
evening hours
- Pull drapes and shades over windows facing the sun
- Keep windows and doors closed when the air conditioning is on
- Use a thermostat control to automatically increase or decrease home temperatures
for daytime/nighttime differences to save money
- Set thermostat control at highest comfortable level -- each degree raised reduces
energy consumption by 3 to 4 percent
- Check the air filter every 30 days during heaving cooling
- Check the fan belt for wear in systems manufactured before 1980
- With a new system, consider a service contract which includes periodic maintenance
and repairs for a specified period of time
- Keep the outside unit free of leaves or other airflow obstructions
- Have the air conditioning unit serviced each spring
If my air conditioner stops working, what is most likely the problem?
It could be as simple as replacing a fuse, resetting a circuit breaker, or checking to see if the thermostat is set properly. If an electrical problem isn't the cause, the refrigerant may be low if the system still runs but doesn't cool enough. Most likely if the problem involves any major part, such as the compressor, you would hear strange noises similar to those of any mechanical equipment not running correctly, or the unit might not run at all.