Energy Conservation Opportunities (ECO’s) are abundant on the campus of FHSU. However, you also have opportunities to save money in your own home.

Quick Tip: Your Home Cooling System

When you turn on your air conditioner to cool your home, flipping the switch to cool should NOT be the only step you take to start enjoying air conditioning. There are steps you should take now to help save energy and money throughout the summer.

Replace your air filter:
Your filter should be replaced every month. This holds true for both your forced air furnace in the winter and your central air conditioning system in the summer. If it is dirty, airflow is blocked, which causes your system to run longer and results in higher electricity bills. If you have window air units, clean the filters as instructed by your owner’s manual.

Clean your condenser coils:
The condenser (for central air systems) is the unit that sits outside. Cleaning the coils on the unit will help maximize efficiency and save you money. If the coils are dirty, it will raise refrigerant pressure higher than needed. This means the air conditioning system will run longer, costing you money. When cleaning the coils, be sure not to bend any of the fins. If some do bend, attempt to straighten them. Blow the coils clean with an air compressor, or spray them clean using a mixture of mild detergent and water. Be careful to keep water away from the electrical components of the unit. It is a good idea to first turn off the electrical breaker before performing this task. If this is something you are not comfortable performing, please allow a maintenance professional to perform this service. You can also ask them to demonstrate the process so you can do it yourself next year.

Consider having a maintenance professional service your system:
Regular maintenance is an important step in keeping your cooling system operating at its maximum efficiency. Most systems recommend having a professional perform maintenance on your heating and cooling system annually. If it has been a long time since you have had this done, you might consider making arrangements to do so. When calling professionals to inquire about pricing, also ask what steps they will perform on your system. Do not forget to ask for references.