COPYRIGHT 2016 JAMES DULLEY ( www.dulley.com/sea/ ) - May 2016 - (graphics ref. No. 184 at www.dulley.com/sea/column/2016-may.htm )

"Do-it-yourself heat pump/air conditioner tune-up tips for most cooling output and efficiency" 

Dear Jim: I have the central air conditioner serviced periodically. Even though it is running fine, are there any simple low-tech maintenance things I can do between service calls to improve efficiency? - Randy G.

Dear Randy: There are quite a few things to do yourself to keep your central air conditioner running at maximum efficiency and cooling output. Keep in mind though, it is a complicated piece of equipment so you still need regular professional service calls. There are many pressure settings you are not able to check yourself.

Although not really a tune-up item, run your air conditioner less during the peak afternoon heat by setting the thermostat a few degrees higher. An automatic setback thermostat with at least three setback periods (day, afternoon, night) is ideal.

This does two things. First, an air conditioner efficiency drops when it's hottest outdoors, so it uses more electricity. Second, setting the thermostat higher reduces peak electricity demand which minimizes future electric rate increases and greenhouse gas emissions.

The most important factor for efficient air conditioner operation is getting maximum air flow through the outdoor condenser coils. This air flow cools the hot refrigerant which then flows back through the cooling coils inside your house.

Clear the area on the grille side of the outdoor unit where the condenser coils are exposed. Landscaping, shrubs and weeds may have grown up around it. Cut plants and branches back to provide at least two feet of clearance. Similarly, don't rest garden tools against it or on top of the fan air outlet.

Inspect the inside of the outdoor unit for excessive debris by looking through the grille. There will always be some debris (leaves, sticks, etc.), but if looks excessive, clean it out. Always switch off the circuit break inside the house and pull the outdoor electric disconnect before reaching inside the unit.

The easiest way to clean it out is to remove the side access cover. It doesn't have to be squeaky clean inside, but remove as much by hand as possible. Using the tip of a knife, separate any fins which have been bent together to allow air flow through. Don't try to straighten them to much or they may break off.

It is very important to make sure all the screws are tight when you replace the side access cover. If they are loose, air can leak in through the gap and not go through the coils. Check the tightness of the screws twice a year.

For efficiency, it equally important to have adequate air flow through the cooling coils in the indoor blower unit. Remove the access panel over the indoor coils and blower. Use the brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner to remove the dust. Use a damp rag to wipe dirt off any stubborn areas.

If you found the blower area is very dirty, install a better quality furnace filter. It may not result in noticeably cleaner indoor air, but will keep the blower cleaner for better efficiency. When the air conditioner is running, check for leaky duct joints and seal them with aluminum or Gorilla duct tape.

Dear Jim: I want to place my new clothes dryer on an inside wall. It would be easiest to vent it upward through the roof. What is the best and most efficient way to vent it? - Ann D.

Dear Ann: You must vent a dryer properly when going through the roof or it constantly sucks air out of your house. Use a special vent cover made just for roof venting. It seals well when the dryer is not running. Twenty feet is about the maximum duct length or the air resistance may become too great.

Insulate the duct in the unheated attic area. Even in a mild climate, the moisture laden air inside the duct can sometimes condense and drip down.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Publication Name, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.