The energy bill that usually you must pay for each month can drain your pocket significantly. Therefore, there are many homeowners who are looking for air conditioners that can work more efficient in order to keep the electric energy bill low. However the maintenance is so crucial and closely related to the performance of the unit. Wrong or improper maintenance will lead to the inefficiency performance of the unit. So this means, if you care to your energy bill and always hopefully it low, you also must care to the maintenance of your air conditioning units!

Furthermore, the maintenance is also related to the lifetime of the unit. For instant solution, there are also a lot of professional services that you can choose and hire if your budget permits. Signing a contract for the maintenance of your air conditioner is so recommended, at least once a year. Well, the following are useful basic-maintenance checklists that are not only helpful to cut the energy bill but also will be good news to make the unit has longer lifetime:

1. Check the air conditioner filter regularly! If there are a lot of dusts, the filter should be cleaned properly. The filter also must be replaced regularly around 1.5-3.5 months (depending on the model of the filter itself). Cleaning or replacing the air filter is also important to ensure the quality of fresh cool air (output of the unit) is hygienic, clean and healthy for human respiratory system. This procedure is so helpful for someone who suffers from allergy.
2. Take a look at the exhausting pump! You can explore it to help you for cleaning the system of the unit.
3. Don’t miss also to check the outdoor unit, especially for split air conditioning types, such as condenser, coil, air vents and compressor. Make sure those components also work at the top performance level.
4. The evaporator also must be maintained & cleaned properly, minimal once a year! For central AC models, it is usually located above the furnace directly in the plenum.
5. Check the venting system! Especially for portable air conditioner or window air conditioner, the vent must be installed properly, and as possible set the hose straight!

Other helpful tips to keep the energy bill low:

1. When buying air conditioner, the BTUs size calculation is so crucial. The size of the unit should meet to the large size of the area or room. Lower or over size will lead to the inefficiency performance and even can make the unit will not last longer. Consider also the value of energy efficiency rating, especially about EER (for industrial units), SEER (for residential units) and Energy Star approval.
2. Be wise when using your unit. It is better to optimize the function of programmable thermostat. It is also better to buy and use portable units, like window AC unit or portable AC unit to complement your existing central air conditioning. Using portable unit when you are alone in a room is more effective & efficient than if you choose to turn on your central AC.
3. Installing and having white window shades or mini blinds are welcome idea to reduce the amount of heat in your room. For more traditional option, you can use bamboo shades and place them outside of the windows of your house.
4. Take a look at any ducts and make sure you choose to install them through any room of your house that doesn’t need cooling, and then insulate those ducts properly.
5. The last, avoid doing any activities that can generate extra heat like dishwashing and cooking at noon. It is better to delay those activities to the evening.

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