My energy bill is sky high during the summer. What can I do to reduce my A/C cooling costs?

There are several tips and techniques to optimize your cooling costs in the summer. Primarily, it is essential that you have an A/C technician service your unit to ensure optimal efficiency. You will also want to change your filters after the Spring season. It also helps to keep your home thermostat set at a constant temperature between 76-78°. Turning your A/C completely off when you are not home, may cause your unit to over work to resume normal temperatures when you return. De-humidifiers are also great for maintaining a comfortable environment at higher temperatures in this humid Georgia environment, and will cause your
A/C to work less.

Some rooms in my home are colder than others. How do I fix this?

This issue is a result of inadequate airflow which can be caused by a variety of reasons such as dirty filters, coils, or blowers that are restricting the air flow through the air handler in certain areas of the home. There could also be an issue with your duct system where there is a leak at some point due to the ducts coming loose. A lot of homes simply suffer from poor design work where the air conditioning and duct system is not balanced and therefore air flow is not equally distributed. Mr. Fixit can conduct an in-home inspection to assess your air flow issues to get to the root cause of your problem.

How does air quality affect my home?

Poor air filtration can result in the proliferation of airborne particles and pollutants like dust, mold and animal dander. This can be detrimental to family members who suffer from allergies,asthma and other breathing problems. Elevated humidity in your home can lead to the discomfort of feeling hot and sticky, and also promotes mold and mildew growth.

How do I improve the air quality in my home?

Proper servicing and flushing of your HVAC unit and duct work is the first step to eliminating airborne pollutants. Using higher quality air filters for your HVAC unit, with MERV ratings between 17 and 20, provide the best filtration for your home by removing up to 98% of air pollutants. Don’t forget to change your filters every 3 months! De-humidifiers are also great for our humid Georgia weather allowing you to feel comfortable at higher thermostat settings which will cause your A/C to work less and save on your energy bill.

How often should I have my A/C serviced?

Most A/C contractors will try to upsell you on a frequent service plan claiming it is necessary to maintain the health of your unit. If you regularly change your air filters and manage the operation of your unit, you can help maintain the efficiency and life of your unit. Nevertheless it is wise to have an HVAC technician service and inspect your unit annually, particularly before the summer months for your A/C and before the winter months if you have a furnace.

What steps can I take to maintain my air conditioner or furnace?

For air conditioner and heat pump units you will want to:

• Inspect your air filter monthly and change it every 30-90 days depending on how quickly the filter becomes congested
• Keep dirt, debris, grass, and leaves away from your outdoor unit
• Use a hose, without the spray nozzle, to wash away the dirt and debris from the aluminum fins of the unit

For furnace units you will want to:

• Inspect your air filter monthly and change it every 30-90 days depending on how quickly the filter becomes congested
• Make sure the air supply and return vents for the furnace are not obstructed. Nothing should be block the air supply and vents such as furniture, curtains, boxes, etc.
• Check systems once a year for leaks, corrosion, or damage
• Keep the area around the furnace clean