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Air Conditioning

Learn about working with air conditioning systems with Bob Vila, including information about air condensers, installing air conditioners, maintaining central air, and more.

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Air Conditioning Tips, page 1 of 2: [1] 2  >>    
11 Articles  1 Step By Step  3 Fix-Its  37 Tips  13 Videos  65 All 
AC Bugs
AC Bugs
Insects love warm electrical components and air conditioners are full of them. If you want to keep insects out, experts say do ...
AC Check
AC Check
Run your air conditioner for a few minutes in the spring, before you need it. If you wait until the first hot day to discover ...
AC Energy Ratios
AC Energy Ratios
When shopping or air conditioners, look for seasonal energy ratios (SEER) over 12 for central air conditioners and energy ...
AC Exterior
AC Exterior
Clean obvious obstructions such as newspaper, leaves, etc. from around the exterior of the unit.
AC Fan
AC Fan
Set the fan on your central air conditioner to "on" rather than "auto." This will circulate air continuously, keeping the ...
AC Filters
AC Filters
Change the filters regularly. Dirty filters restrict air flow, reducing efficiency and worse case, can cause the evaporator to ...
AC Insulation
AC Insulation
If you have a room air conditioner, remove it for the winter or seal it up and insulate it. Water heater insulation jackets ...
AC Rating
AC Rating
Air conditioners are rated by the number of British Thermal Units (Btu) of heat they can remove per hour. Another common ...
AC Settings
AC Settings
Don't set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home ...
AC Thermostat
AC Thermostat
Be sure the thermostat is set in the cooling mode. Just setting the dial below room temperature will not activate the air ...
Air Conditioner Size
Air Conditioner Size
Two major decisions should guide your purchase of a room air conditioner. Buy a correctly sized unit. Buy an energy-efficient ...
Beat The Heat
Beat The Heat
Install window air conditioners snugly. Insulate spaces around air conditioners for a tighter fit. An air conditioner with a ...
Central Air Check
Central Air Check
Make sure your central air system will work when you need it. Replace the filter inside and clear the outside coil of debris. ...
Central Air Clearance
Central Air Clearance
If you have central air conditioning, make sure the outdoor units have clearance for air flow. Cut back any plants that may ...
Cold Sell
Cold Sell
If your house is for sale in summer, run the air conditioner. If it's 90 degrees inside, buyers will pay more attention to the ...
Cool Savings
Cool Savings
Turn the air conditioner thermostat up to at least 78° or higher or use a programmable thermostat. Close doors to unused ...
Cooling with Ventilation
Cooling with Ventilation
Here’s another great tip from BobVila.com. Before you crank up the A/C this summer to keep cool, try a little old-fashioned ...
Duct Leaks
Duct Leaks
Check your ducts for air leaks. First look for sections that should be joined but have separated and then look for obvious ...
Elevating Appliances
Elevating Appliances
For protection against shallow flood waters, the washer and dryer can sometimes be elevated on masonry or pressure-treated ...
Fan Speed
Fan Speed
Set the fan speed on high except in very humid weather. When it's humid, set the fan speed on low. You'll get better cooling, ...
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