Experts have tips to help keep your AC up to par, save money this season

DELMARVA. – How on top of your air conditioning system are you?

Ahead of the hotter spring and summer months, Hancock and Son master service tech, Jason Schwartz, made his rounds to homes across Delmarva, performing multi-point checks to ensure mechanics are up to par.

“Everything inside your unit works together, the blowers, the coils, the recharge, all has to work together to play a part as one system. If any piece of the puzzle fails, the unit fails,” Schwartz said.

If you’re not checking your air filters regularly, unwanted debris, like dust and pet dander, can start circulating through your home. Schwartz said a clean filter can keep the cold air flowing smoother and cleaner.

“Filters are designed so they don’t catch everything. Some debris, some particles, actually have to pass through it, because if a filter caught everything, she wouldn’t move any airflow through it,” Schwartz said.

What goes on on the outside of your home is just as important as what’s taking place inside. Co-owner of Hancock and Son, Leif Hancock, said clearing up around the condenser unit can make a world of difference.

“We certainly want to check your outdoor unit, the part of the equipment that’s outside,” Hancock said. “You want to make sure there’s nothing laying up against that, there’s not a pile of leaves on top of it, because that outdoor unit has to get proper airflow across it for your system to work.”

And if you’re wondering how you can save a little extra green this season, Delmarva Power spokesperson, Zach Chizar, said using AC alternatives, or just being mindful of your home’s temperature, are some of the first steps to a lower bill.

“As it gets warmer, every degree above 72 degrees can save about 2-4% on cooling costs,” Chizar said. “Even before you can think about turning on your AC unit, if you have ceiling fans, making sure you’re using them the best you can, to distribute that cooler air throughout your home.”