( North Carolina, Pisgah Forest), March 20, 2013–Air, whether indoor or outdoor, contains pollutants such as dust, dirt, pollen, grease, mold, bacteria or moisture.B As the air moves through your cooling equipment the pollutants adhere to surfaces, greatly impacting your comfort system.B A priority of your Spring To Do List, should be cleaning or replacing your air filters.B B B However, it is also strongly recommended that you consider having your cooling system professionally tuned up.
According to a study conducted by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E,) a dirty outside unit can increase your monthly electric bill as much as 30%. The unitbs cooling performance is also decreased because it limits the coils ability to transfer heat.B This causes your compressor to work harder, and that generates heat.B On the hottest days, the PG&E study revealed you can lose up to 30% of your cooling capacity as wellbleaving you feeling clammy and uncomfortable.
This extra work that the compressor is doing can actually create conditions that reduce the life expectancy of your unit.B Running hot continually affects internal lubrication, leading to acid formation that will eventually compromise the compressor.B And that is a very expensive repair that can be avoided with a little maintenance.
Another significant benefit of maintenance on your cooling system is ensuring your indoor coil and fan are clean and refrigerant levels are optimal.B All three can restrict air flow, causing similar concerns as stated with dirty condenser coils.B Since your indoor coil is a perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria, therebs a health impact too.
Studies by both a Vermont Utility and the California Energy Commission stated that incorrect or improper refrigerant levels were found in 66-75% of systems surveyed.B Refrigerant levels should not be adjusted unless the indoor/outdoor coils and the fan are clean.
Your savings from proper maintenance through lower utility costs, peak equipment efficiency, enhanced reliability, longer system life and improved indoor air quality will exceed the cost of a professional tune up in as little as two months according to a US Department of Energy Study.
When you do your part for yourself, society benefits too.B Summer air conditioning accounts for 60% of peak electricity load.B Power from peak generation typically costs a multiple of base load generation.B When more people keep their cooling equipment in good condition, peak power needs are slashed.B This benefits the environment as well as our wallets.
Comfort Central, Inc. provides Heating, Cooling, Indoor Environmental and Energy Services as well as installations and maintenance for the Western North Carolina Region.B To find out more, or to receive cited sources, please visit www.comfort-central.com.
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