Countless homeowners and businesses depend on their air conditioners to stay comfortable during the hot summer months. Still, with energy prices as high as they are these days, ways to avoid racking up bills for the comfort of an air-conditioned space are always welcome. According to the Energy Information Administration, air conditioning (and heating) already account for more than half of the energy usage in a typical American home. 

The last thing you want is to make AC mistakes that can raise your property’s energy bills even further. Below, the Barber Heating & Air team looks at some things to avoid if you’d like to decrease your cooling costs in the long run.

Mistake 1: Allowing Installation Errors

Your air conditioner’s installation day is the most important one in its lifespan. Any errors or inaccuracies will lead to a life of efficiency problems for the cooling unit, including choosing an oversized or undersized air conditioner for your space.

An undersized air conditioner will run longer cycles to keep up with your cooling needs, while an oversized unit will run multiple shorter cycles without really cooling your home. Either way, the unit will end up using more energy than it should.

Other air conditioning installation mistakes like poor ductwork design or vent and register installation can lead to airflow problems, which makes your air conditioner work harder. You can avoid all of these mistakes by only working with a licensed, certified HVAC contractor.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Maintenance

Do you go from summer to summer without maintaining your air conditioning unit? Doing so is one of the most common AC mistakes that can increase your utility bills over time. 

Ignoring maintenance means a failure to address maintenance issues. Think how clogged air filters, dirty coils, and refrigerant leaks can lead to your air conditioning unit struggling to keep your home cool. The more your unit struggles to work, the higher your utility bills will be.

Another potentially expensive problem that comes from ignoring air conditioning maintenance is a complete system failure. Scheduling regular maintenance is the best way to catch potential issues early and help your air conditioner operate efficiently every year.

Mistake 3: Using the Wrong Thermostat Settings

You may feel it’s a good idea to set your thermostat as low as possible in the summer. Unfortunately, that’s one of the common AC mistakes to avoid if you want to keep your utility bills low.

Most people will be comfortable with their thermostat set to the high 70s, so consider setting your thermostat around that range when you’re home. If you tend to forget, use a programmable thermostat.

What is the impact of the wrong thermostat settings on your utility bills? Consider this fact: raising your thermostat by a degree can knock up to 3% off your cooling costs!

Get More Guidance From Your Local Cooling Experts

Are you making any of the above AC mistakes?

Find out how to beat the heat without paying through the nose – call Barber Heating & Air at (336) 226-6959 to schedule a consultation.

Staying cool on hot Greensboro summer days requires a reliable air conditioner. While the average air conditioner lasts up to 20 years before it needs replacing, how long it will be before you need a new one depends on multiple factors, including equipment quality.

That said, homeowners can extend the life of an air conditioner, whether they have central air conditioning or window air conditioners. These easy tricks and tips don’t require much work but can save you a lot of headaches and money.

Regular Maintenance: The Key to a Long Air Conditioner Life 

Greensboro’s climate means air conditioners must withstand a great deal of wear and tear. High heat and humidity mean they work overtime to maintain indoor comfort, so staying comfortable means ensuring that all the unit’s mechanical components are in tip-top shape.

With that in mind, scheduling annual maintenance before the cooling season begins each year is one of the best ways to keep your air conditioner working flawlessly for many years. Having an HVAC professional inspect, clean, and tune up the air conditioner reduces the likelihood that the unit will require repairs during the cooling season by addressing small issues before they become bigger ones. For example, dirty coils cause an air conditioner to work harder, increasing energy consumption and putting components at risk of breakdown. 

Change the Air Filter 

Perhaps the most important thing that you can do to keep your air conditioner in good shape for as long as possible is to change the air filter. Filters remove and collect contaminants from the air before they flow through the unit, and when they become clogged, the air doesn’t move as freely. This causes the air conditioner to work harder, reducing its lifespan. 

Most HVAC professionals recommend changing the filter about every 60 days, but you may need more frequent changes if you have pets or people with allergies in your home. 

Use the Auto-Setting

Leaving the air conditioner in the “on” setting 24/7 means that the unit never gets a chance to rest, which strains the internal parts and reduces its lifespan. Using the “auto” setting ensures that the cooling system runs intermittently, only coming on when it needs to. Reducing run time can potentially add years to the system’s life. 

Keep Things Clean 

Keeping the area around the outdoor unit of your HVAC system clear of debris and cleaning the air ducts so air can move freely throughout your home can help prevent costly breakdowns and support better energy efficiency. Plus, clean ducts support better indoor air quality. 

Let Barber Heating & Air Keep You Cool 

Greensboro, NC, residents can turn to the HVAC experts of Barber Heating & Air for help keeping their air conditioners working reliably for decades. From maintenance service contracts to new system installation, we’re here to help you stay cool on the hottest southern days and nights. We can even help you get a new system without breaking the bank, thanks to special financing offers. 

Call (336) 226-6959 to learn more and schedule service. Trust us to help you.

Evaporator coils and condenser coils are some of the most important parts found in the air conditioning systems in Burlington, NC, homes. If you don’t make it a point to maintain these coils, it could take a huge toll on your AC system performance and even hurt your system’s energy efficiency.

Discover more about evaporator and condenser coils below and find maintenance and cleaning tips for these systems. 

Understanding the Functions of Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Your AC’s evaporator and condenser coils play vital roles in the effectiveness of your system as a whole. However, they operate in very different ways. By getting a better understanding of what they each do, you’ll gain a new appreciation for just how hard they work to keep your home cool.

Evaporator Coils 

The evaporator coil in your AC system is one of the first parts to come into contact with the air that will cool your home. Your AC system is designed to pull in air from your house and run it over the evaporator coil, typically located somewhere inside your home. This coil specializes in heat absorption and can remove heat from the air in your home using the refrigerant found in your system.

This refrigerant will evaporate as air passes over the evaporator coil and go from being a liquid to a gas. It enables the evaporator coil to remove heat from indoor air and cool it off before it makes its way through your ductwork and into the various parts of your home.

Condenser Coils 

The condenser coil in your AC system, meanwhile, is responsible for heat dissipation. Its job is to take the heat the evaporator coil has collected and remove it from your home to ensure it stays cool.

During refrigerant circulation, the gaseous refrigerant utilized to gather heat from the evaporator coil will work its way through your AC system and make it to the condenser coil located in the outdoor portion of your system. The condenser coil is designed to take the refrigerant and convert it from a gas back into a liquid while simultaneously releasing the heat in it outside.

Both the evaporator coil and condenser coil in your home’s AC system will affect everything from its airflow efficiency to its ability to perform humidity control. These critical components must remain in good working order at all times.

Importance of Properly Maintaining Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Since evaporator coils and condenser coils are so important to the well-being of AC systems, you’ll need to get into the habit of maintaining these coils early and often. Over time, dirt, dust, and other debris can build up on these coils and stop them from effectively removing heat from the air that passes through your AC system. This can prevent your AC system from sustaining a successful cooling cycle every time you turn it on. 

Arranging for a licensed HVAC technician to clean, inspect, and maintain your Burlington, NC, home’s AC system will help you avoid running into issues with your evaporator and condenser coils. It’ll also allow your AC system to achieve peak performance so that your house stays cool on even the warmest days.

Impact of Dirty Evaporator and Condenser Coils on AC Efficiency

If your home’s AC system isn’t as efficient as it should be, it could result in you spending more money than you should have on cooling your house. It could also lead to the need for extensive AC repairs down the line and possibly even AC replacement. Dirty evaporator and condenser coils will get coated with debris, which will insulate these coils and stop them from being able to absorb and dissipate heat. This can lead to:

• Reduced cooling capacity.
• Increased energy consumption.
• Higher utility bills.

It can also lead to your evaporator coil freezing if you’re not careful. A dirty evaporator coil can result in a lack of airflow, which can cause it to begin to freeze. Practicing evaporator coil freezing prevention can be as simple as cleaning this coil to reduce the chances of it freezing on you.

Homeowners can steer clear of all these potential pitfalls by scheduling an inspection and cleaning of their evaporator and condenser coils with an HVAC professional. It’ll work wonders for your home’s AC system and your overall peace of mind since you won’t have to constantly worry about your AC system not working in the way it should.

Best Practices for Maintaining Evaporator and Condenser Coils

When it comes to deep cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils in your home’s AC system, you should lean on an HVAC technician to get the job done right. You can also take several steps on your own to help maintain these coils. Here are a few of the best practices for those interested in maintaining evaporator and condenser coils:

• Replace the air filters in your AC system regularly to stop dirt, dust, and debris from reaching your coils.
• Use coil cleaning solutions and stiff brushes to remove stubborn dirt and grime from your coils.
• Trim grass, weeds, bushes, and other vegetation that might come close to touching the outdoor portion of your home’s AC system.
• Monitor your evaporator and condenser coils for any signs of corrosion, leaks, and other damage.
• Schedule professional AC system maintenance to keep your evaporator and condenser coils clean.

The harder you work to maintain your evaporator and condenser coils, the better they’ll perform when you turn your AC system on to cool your home.

Start Taking Better Care of Your AC System’s Evaporator Coils and Condenser Coils

Far too often, homeowners in Burlington, NC, neglect their evaporator coils and condenser coils and don’t realize there is an issue with them until it’s too late. If you’d like to avoid finding yourself in a situation where your AC system isn’t working effectively because of dirty coils, Barber Heating & Air can help.

Reach out to us today at 336-226-6959 to schedule maintenance for your evaporator and condenser coils. We’ll perform a full system inspection and evaluation and set it up for a reliable season of cooling ahead. 

In Greensboro, NC, the sweltering heat of summer emphasizes the importance of a well-maintained air conditioning system. Regular AC maintenance here isn’t just about comfort; it’s a critical aspect of home care that ensures energy efficiency, extends the lifespan of your system, and improves the air you breathe.

In Greensboro, neglecting your AC can lead to discomfort, high energy bills, and unexpected breakdowns when you least want them. By investing in regular maintenance, homeowners can sidestep these pitfalls, enjoying a cool, comfortable home regardless of the outside temperature.

Understanding Greensboro’s Unique Climate and AC Needs

Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, Greensboro experiences a unique blend of weather patterns that directly impact the efficiency and longevity of air conditioning systems. High humidity levels, common in this region, can strain AC units, fostering an environment where molds thrive and efficiency dwindles.

Additionally, temperature fluctuations, ranging from sweltering summer highs to chilly evenings, demand that air conditioners swiftly adapt, subjecting them to increased wear and tear. Seasonal allergens, abundant in Greensboro’s landscapes, underscore the importance of meticulous air filtration to maintain indoor air quality.

High Humidity and Its Impact on Air Conditioning Systems

High humidity puts a significant strain on air conditioning systems in Greensboro, NC, particularly during the balmy summer months. As moisture accumulates, it can lead to an array of issues, notably the growth of mold within the HVAC system, which disrupts indoor air quality and poses health risks to residents.

This excessive moisture doesn’t only foster mold; it forces air conditioners to work overtime, cooling and dehumidifying the home. Such constant operation can accelerate wear and tear on components like the compressor and evaporator, leading to premature breakdowns and costly AC maintenance or emergency AC service needs.

Why Greensboro Homes Can Benefit From Regular AC Check-Ups

Regular AC check-ups in Greensboro homes stand as a cornerstone of preserving a comfortable indoor environment, especially during unpredictable and often harsh seasonal shifts. By proactively scheduling maintenance, homeowners ensure their systems are prepared to handle the high humidity and temperature swings that characterize the region, thus preventing the discomfort and health risks associated with poor air quality and system failures.

Homes that prioritize regular check-ups experience fewer emergency repairs, enjoy extended equipment lifespans, and benefit from lower energy bills thanks to optimized system efficiency. Such savings, coupled with the tranquility of a reliably cool home, make routine AC maintenance an undeniable advantage for Greensboro residents.

Boosting Energy Efficiency With Regular AC Maintenance

Ensuring clean filters is not just a simple task; it’s a foundational step toward reducing energy bills, as it allows the AC system to operate more smoothly and intake air without straining itself. Similarly, the coil, a critical component in the cooling process, requires regular cleaning to prevent the system from working harder than necessary, which in turn, keeps energy consumption in check.

Sealing leaks in the ductwork or around windows and doors play a crucial role in maintaining optimal cooling performance, preventing the cool air from escaping and the hot air from infiltrating. To knit these efforts together and truly ensure that an AC system operates at peak efficiency, scheduling professional maintenance with Barber Heating & Air becomes indispensable.

Scheduling Professional Maintenance to Ensure Energy Efficiency

Scheduling professional maintenance is the linchpin for ensuring that air conditioning systems in Greensboro, NC, reach their utmost energy efficiency. The practice of entrusting seasoned experts with the care of an AC unit guarantees precise calibration and meticulous cleaning, tasks that are essential for minimizing energy consumption and optimizing cooling performance.

A professional AC service not only scrutinizes the system for current inefficiencies but also identifies potential issues that could escalate into energy-draining problems. By catching these early, homeowners can avoid the excessive electricity use and high utility bills that often accompany an AC system straining under the North Carolina heat.

Extending Your Air Conditioner’s Lifespan in Greensboro

Regular upkeep not only curtails the natural progression of wear and tear but also identifies potential issues before they escalate into substantial malfunctions.

By updating components per the latest efficiency standards, homeowners can ensure their units aren’t just running, but running optimally. Professional inspections with Barber Heating & Air serve as a preventive measure against sudden breakdowns, keeping your system in prime condition to weather the seasonal challenges of the region.

This multifaceted approach to AC maintenance is essential for extending the lifespan of your cooling system, safeguarding your comfort, and optimizing energy use throughout the sultry summer months.

Identifying Wear and Tear Before It Leads to Major Problems

Spotting wear and tear early is a critical step in circumventing major issues that can lead to system failure or the need for costly emergency AC service in Greensboro. Regular maintenance checks enable technicians to detect minor problems, such as a fraying belt or a leak in the refrigerant line, which, if left unaddressed, could significantly impair the AC unit’s function and efficiency.

Spring Check-Ups to Address Winter Wear and Tear

As Greensboro transitions from the chill of winter into the warmth of spring, air conditioning systems require a thorough check-up to identify any wear and tear that colder months might have inflicted. This essential spring maintenance ensures that all parts, especially those susceptible to the cold, like the compressor and refrigerant lines, are in prime condition to handle the upcoming heat without faltering.

Technicians during these spring evaluations pay close attention to potential issues that winter’s harshness may have caused, such as cracks in the electrical wiring or blockages in the drainage system. Resolving these problems early on prevents them from evolving into larger, more expensive repairs, setting the stage for a summer of seamless cooling performance in Greensboro homes.

Adjusting Settings and Inspections for Optimal Seasonal Performance

Professionals adept in AC maintenance engage in these seasonal inspections with an eye for detail, optimizing programmable thermostats, airflow, and system configurations for summer’s heat or winter’s chill. This fine-tuning, a critical component of peak performance, shields homeowners from unexpected breakdowns and maintains an equilibrium between energy consumption and comfort, securing a serene living environment all year round.

How Maintenance Contracts Can Save Money in the Long Term

Maintenance contracts with Barber Heating & Air in Greensboro, NC, are designed to offer homeowners peace of mind through consistent, scheduled care for their air conditioning systems. By locking in services at today’s rates, these agreements protect against the inflation of repair costs over time, offering substantial savings as a part of a long-term budgeting strategy.

Such contracts typically prioritize preventive measures that significantly reduce the likelihood of major malfunctions. This proactive approach diminishes the need for emergency services, further curbing potential expenses and ensuring that air conditioners operate with optimal efficiency, thereby extending their service life and enhancing household comfort.

Necessity of Routine AC Maintenance in Greensboro, NC

Regular AC maintenance in Greensboro, NC, is crucial due to the city’s unique climate challenges, including high humidity, temperature fluctuations, and abundant seasonal allergens. These conditions strain AC systems, making them susceptible to wear and tear, mold growth, and reduced efficiency.

By prioritizing regular check-ups, homeowners can prevent common issues, safeguard indoor air quality, and extend the lifespan of their units. Professional maintenance ensures systems operate within regulatory compliances and warranty requirements while optimizing energy efficiency to keep utility costs in check.

Ultimately, regular AC maintenance in Greensboro protects the investment in home comfort systems, ensures a healthier living environment, and offers peace of mind through the region’s unpredictable weather shifts.

Summer’s lively spirit is resonating in Burlington, NC and surrounding cities. With lakeside picnics, bustling farmer’s markets, and children splashing in the water parks, excitement fills the air. But amidst the joy, the relentless summer heat makes us rely on our air conditioning systems for cool comfort. However if your air conditioner is on its last leg, it may not provide seamless and efficient comfort as expected. In this blog, we discuss common signs you need AC replacement in Burlington, NC and surrounding areas.

When Is It Time For AC Replacement In Burlington, NC?

Air conditioners are complex systems with many components that require proper care and maintenance each year. Homeowners should actively change air filters and perform other tasks, as well as ensure professional maintenance with Barber Heating and Air is scheduled each year. Preventative AC maintenance in Burlington, NC is the best way to prolong the life of your air conditioner. However, the system will not last forever. With proper maintenance, air conditioners typically last anywhere between 15-20 years.

Homeowners often ask our technicians, “When will I know it is time for air conditioning replacement rather than repair?” At Barber Heating and Air Conditioning, it is our goal to educate homeowners on air conditioners and how to get the most out of their investment. We encourage homeowners to pay close attention to their air conditioner, as it is one of the most important appliances in their household. Understanding air conditioner operation and noticing unusual noises or malfunctions can help homeowners identify whether repair or replacement is necessary.

Whether it’s the aging process, skyrocketing bills, inconsistent cooling, frequent repairs, or noises and odors—each sign is a chapter in the story of your AC’s life, revealing when it’s time to turn the page and look for an AC installation in Greensboro, NC. By cracking this cool code, you empower yourself to act judiciously and timely. No sudden breakdowns, no emergency hassles—just a seamless transition to a new era of cooling.

5 Signs To Replace Your AC System

A well-timed AC replacement safeguards your comfort and wallet. Homeowners who watch warning signs are less likely to face an unpredicted breakdown and sudden AC replacement need. When it comes to upgrading your comfort, it is best the decision is made by the homeowner rather than the immediate need. Below we have listed five signs you may need AC replacement in Mebane, NC and surrounding areas.

• Aging Air Conditioner
• Skyrocketing Energy Bills
• Inconsistent Cooling
• Frequent Repairs
• Noise and Odor Issues

Aging Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner’s age might be more than just a number. Beyond the 15–20 years mark, efficiency wanes, parts wear out, and performance drops. If your air conditioner has been your cooling companion for over a decade and a half, its twilight years may be nearing, and a more youthful AC replacement might be in the cards.

Skyrocketing Energy Bills

Your energy bills taking flight is a signal of an underlying problem. An old air conditioner losing its efficiency consumes more electricity, turning a cool breeze into a hot expense. A modern system, compliant with contemporary energy standards, can reverse this trend, keeping your bills grounded.

Inconsistent Cooling

Temperature inconsistencies can turn parts of your home into uninviting extremes. If some rooms feel like saunas while others resemble the Arctic, it’s time to consider a new AC replacement. Such inconsistencies often signal underlying issues too complex or costly to repair.

Frequent Repairs

When breakdowns become regular diary entries, it’s a red flag. Regular, expensive repairs not only disrupt comfort but often signal a failing system. Instead of pouring money into endless fixes, a new investment might be the wiser, more economical choice.

Noise and Odor Issues

Strange noises or smells? Your AC might be sending SOS signals. These could hint at internal problems, such as motor issues or mold growth. If the repair costs outweigh the benefits, it’s time to think about AC replacement.

Benefits Of AC Replacement

A new air conditioning system is not just a machine; it’s a gateway to enhanced living. Investing in a new air conditioner can provide an array of advantages for both you and your home. Here’s how an AC replacement can benefit you:

• Improved Efficiency
• Enhanced Comfort
• Advanced Features
• Increased Property Value
• Healthier Living

Improved Efficiency

Modern AC systems are champions of efficiency. With state-of-the-art technology, they conserve energy, adhere to environmental guidelines, and cut down electricity bills. Replace your old unit with a new one, and watch the savings grow.

Enhanced Comfort

Precise temperature control, consistent cooling, and customizable settings transform your living space into a haven of comfort. A new AC replacement adapts to your preferences, ensuring relaxation even in the fiercest heat.

Advanced Features

Embrace innovation with features like programmable thermostats, smart controls, and eco-friendly modes that come with a new AC installation. Control your comfort from your phone, schedule cooling cycles, and revel in a system designed for the modern world.

Increased Property Value

A brand-new AC installation can be an attractive selling point for potential buyers. By boosting your property’s energy efficiency and comfort levels, you’re enhancing its market appeal. It’s not just an investment in comfort; it’s an investment in your future.

Healthier Living

Fresh air isn’t just about temperature. A new system offers improved indoor air quality through advanced filtering, reducing allergens and keeping your living environment cleaner and healthier.

Financing Your Comfort: Tailored Options At Barber Heating & Air

At Barber Heating & Air, we believe that comfort should be accessible. We offer attractive financing options tailored to your needs and help you afford an AC installation in Greensboro, NC. Whether it’s flexible payment plans or competitive interest rates, we’ve got you covered. Explore our financing options and take a step toward uninterrupted comfort.

Journey To The Right Choice: Selecting Your Air Conditioner

Picking the perfect air conditioner is an art. Factors like size, efficiency, technology, brand reputation, and home compatibility all come into play and are unique to each individual home. Our experts at Barber Heating & Air are here to guide you through this selection journey so you end up with the best choice possible for your home, family, and comfort.

Cool Comfort Is A Call Away!

Summer is a time for joy, not discomfort. Recognizing the signs that it might be time for AC replacement and acting promptly can only help to elevate your living experience. Barber Heating & Air is your trusted partner for AC replacement in Burlington, NC. The summer is yours to enjoy, comfort assured and future secured. Reach out to us today, and let’s set sail on this cooling adventure!

Keeping your Burlington, NC, home cool is the only way to stay comfortable through the hot and humid summer months. Many homeowners depend on their air conditioners during this period — sometimes too much. Air conditioners are intended to run until the thermostat setting is met and rest until the home’s temperature needs to be adjusted again. Air conditioners running constantly in high temperatures can overwork themselves and result in an AC breakdown in Burlington, NC.

Without proper care, you may experience an uncomfortable situation and an overworked AC unit. In this blog, we discuss tips to avoid overworking your air conditioner and why you should take AC maintenance seriously.

The Benefits Of Decreasing Your Air Conditioner’s Workload

The more energy your air conditioner uses, the higher the workload it has. Higher energy usage can be due to multiple malfunctions and obstructions that can lead to AC repair in Burlington, NC. If homeowners take proper care of their air conditioner, they can decrease its workload and experience the following benefits:

Lowers Your Energy Bill

If air conditioners utilize large amounts of energy to function, you will experience high cooling costs each month. Performing preventative maintenance can help reduce the workload on your air conditioner and result in lower energy usage and bills.

Slows Down Wear And Tear

Air conditioners consist of many moving parts, any one of which could malfunction with frequent use. The longer they run, the faster these parts will deteriorate. An overworked air conditioner will break down more frequently than one that doesn’t work too hard. If you want your air conditioner to reach its advertised lifespan, you must reduce the strain you put on it. Wear and tear will immediately lead to AC repair in Greensboro, NC, and eventually an AC replacement.

Lowers Your Carbon Footprint

Every home with an air conditioner releases two tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year, according to the U.S. Department Of Energy. You can reduce your home’s environmental impact by taking steps to reduce the air conditioner’s workload.

How To Avoid Overworking Your AC Unit

Air conditioners are complex systems with various components working together to cool your home. If one part is malfunctioning, the whole system must work harder to meet your home’s thermostat setting. An air conditioner operating with a malfunction or obstruction will use more energy until it finally breaks down from being overworked. The following tips are crucial to giving your air conditioner a much needed break during a busy summer season!

Use Fans

Standing, ceiling, or box fans create a cool breeze and make rooms feel cooler. Utilizing fans throughout the summer allows homeowners to adjust their thermostat without feeling a comfort difference. The closer your thermostat setting is to the outdoor temperature, the lower the workload on your air conditioner. We recommend adjusting the thermostat setting whenever possible and utilizing fans to avoid sacrificing your comfort!

Keep The Filters Clean

Dirty air filters make your air conditioner work harder to cool your home. You’ll also be tempted to lower the thermostat to make your space comfortable. Changing dirty filters when necessary reduces your air conditioner’s workload while improving indoor air quality.

Adjust Thermostat

Adjusting your thermostat is an easy way to avoid overworking your thermostat. While we would never suggest making your home uncomfortable, we recommend bumping up your home’s temperature a few degrees when you are away or asleep. Not only will adjusting the thermostat decrease the workload on your air conditioner, but lower monthly bills as well.

Close Your Blinds

The warmth from natural sunlight is one of the best things about the summer. However, letting in sunlight means more work for your air conditioner. We recommend keeping your blinds and curtains drawn (for windows that receive direct sunlight) between lunch and early evening to reduce the heat entering your home.

Don’t Turn Off The Air Conditioner When You’re Out

It may sound counterintuitive, but turning off your air conditioner when you’re out puts more strain on it. If your house gets too hot, the air conditioner will run longer cycles to get the temperature down to your preferred temperature. It’s best to set your thermostat so your home never gets more than ten degrees hotter than your preferred summer levels.

Install A Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat in Burlington, NC homes allows you to maintain a consistent temperature range with your air conditioning. The thermostat also reduces the need to manually increase the readings as outside temperatures drop. There’s also no risk of forgetting to set the right temperature before leaving your home.

If you want to take the air conditioner’s efficiency a step further, switch to smart units. These thermostats feature artificial intelligence. Therefore, they can learn your habits over time and adapt accordingly. Additionally, the built-in Wi-Fi connectivity on these thermostats means you can control them remotely or make them a part of your smart home setup.

Ditch The Incandescent Lights

Do you still have incandescent lights around the house? Now is a great time to consider energy-efficient LEDs. Incandescent bulbs generate heat while turned on and can make your home warmer. Switching to LEDs won’t just reduce the strain on your air conditioner. It will also reduce your energy bills.

Schedule Regular Air Conditioner Maintenance

Air conditioning maintenance is one of the best ways to reduce the strain on your air conditioner. During a maintenance session, we’ll check your air conditioner for common problems that may hamper its operations. Simple maintenance tasks like replacing the filters, repairing fan motor problems, or topping off the refrigerant can help you avoid overworking your air conditioner. Similarly, completing minor repairs can keep your air conditioner working seamlessly.

AC maintenance in Mebane, NC can reduce strain on your air conditioner, reduce utility bills, improve indoor air quality, and make your home more comfortable overall.

Schedule An Appointment With Us Today

Do you need more guidance on how to avoid overworking your AC unit? Do you need expert AC repair in Mebane, NC? Call Barber Heating & Air today at (336) 226-6959 to book an appointment. We are here to keep your home cool and comfortable with our AC services in Burlington, NC and surrounding areas!

Just like any other operating machine, your air conditioner consists of multiple components that work together to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the Burlington, North Carolina summers. If you ever wonder whether maintaining your air conditioner is worth paying for, the simple answer is yes. AC maintenance is necessary because it ensures optimal performance and longevity of your unit as well as saving you money by operating at a more energy efficient level.

How Do Air Conditioners Work?

Air Conditioners operate by removing heat from the air inside and releasing it outside. The compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil, and refrigerant are an AC unit’s primary parts. To help you understand how AC units work to produce cool air, we have briefly broken down the process into a few steps:

1. The evaporator coil takes in heat. Through a vent, warm air from inside your home is drawn in and forced over the cold evaporator coil, which is the indoor station that removes heat from the air and cools it. The cold air is distributed throughout your home by air ducts after being blown into them by a fan.
2. The refrigerant temperature is raised by the compressor. The volume of the gas is reduced by the compressor. Typically, this is accomplished by tightly compressing the gas between two solid objects.
3. Heat is transferred outside. When the refrigerant reaches the condenser (which is outdoors), it is now a superheated vapor and is exposed to the outside air. The heat from the refrigerant is absorbed by the outside air, which lowers its temperature and transforms it from a gas back into a liquid.
4. The refrigerant cools down and the process repeats itself. When the heat from the refrigerant has been transferred outside, the cold refrigerant returns inside to the evaporator to complete the cycle once more. The procedure is repeated until your home’s interior temperature reaches the desired setting.

Types of Air Conditioning Units

If you are familiar with HVAC units, you are probably aware that there is more than one kind of air conditioning unit that serves a purpose for a specific household depending on need, infrastructure, and environmental factors. The three most common types of air conditioning units are:

• Central AC Units
• Ductless Mini Split Systems
• Portable AC Units

Central AC Units

Central air conditioning units are designed to cool entire homes or buildings by distributing cool air throughout the space via a duct system. Central AC units are most popular in places with high humidity levels because of their ability to cool down larger spaces. To operate efficiently, central air conditioning units typically require professional installation and routine maintenance.

Ductless Mini Split Systems

Ductless mini split systems differ from central units because they are made up of an outdoor compressor unit connected to one or more indoor air handling units mounted on the walls or ceilings of each room or zone. Indoor air handling units direct cool air into the room, eliminating the need for ducts. Because they allow for precise temperature control in each room and can be turned off in unoccupied areas, ductless mini split systems can be more energy-efficient than central AC units. If you seem to always be feuding over your home’s temperature, installing a ductless mini split in your room of preference might be the solution.

Portable AC Units

Portable units usually require a window or similar opening to vent the hot air outside, and some models include a kit to help seal the opening and prevent warm air from entering the room. These units typically have wheels and a handle which makes it easier for them to be moved around.

How Often Should I Get My AC Maintained?

Now that we have established that no matter what AC unit you own, it must be regularly maintained, we are here to help you decide how often you should schedule a maintenance appointment. At Barber Heating and Air, we recommend that homeowners get their AC serviced at least once a year. Ideally, your preventative maintenance appointment should take place prior to the start of the cooling season to ensure that the unit is in good working order when you need it the most. However, if you missed your maintenance appointment, don’t wait for something to break and then call your technician. Acting proactively when it comes to HVAC maintenance is key!

What Are The Benefits of AC Maintenance?

As mentioned before, getting your AC maintained brings many benefits to the table as well as it prevents future issues from arising at the most inconvenient times. Some other benefits of preventative maintenance include:

• Improved indoor air quality levels
• Fewer repairs
• Longer lifespan of your unit
• Peace of mind

Call The Pros

At Barber Heating and Air, we provide assistance with any of our AC repair, replacement, and maintenance services! Give us a call today to schedule a preventive maintenance appointment with one of our knowledgeable technicians.