# Steps To Protect Your Central Air

As the growing season grinds on, shrubs, trees branches, and the like can start to encroach on your central AC’s outdoor unit. That can affect the efficiency of the condenser. Clear debris from around the unit and keep vegetation at least 2 feet away. It’s also important to clean indoor grills and filters on a monthly basis.

Raising the thermostat a single degree could shave 3 to 5 percent from your cooling costs. If your home doesn’t have a programmable thermostat, consider making the upgrade. By automatically adjusting temperatures when you’re asleep or away from home, the device can pay for itself in a few short years.

Once a year, have a licensed Green Apple Mechanical professional perform a full inspection of your air conditioning units. This will involve cleaning and flushing the condenser coils, draining the pan and drainage system, vacuuming the blower compartments, and checking the refrigerant and mechanical parts.
It’s also worth asking them to check the ductwork, especially if your cooling bills have been higher than normal. Up to 30 to 40 percent of energy can escape through leaky or uninsulated ducts. And if your home also has forced-air heat that uses the same ductwork, sealing leaks and adding insulation could end up paying for itself in just a few years.
Call Green Apple Mechanical NJ toll-free at 888-611-7191