The Utah desert landscape is stunning, but it can also be unforgiving: sub-zero temperatures at night and scorching summer days. That’s why many people rely on air conditioning to keep their homes and businesses cool and comfortable. It’s a must-have feature that ensures comfort and relief all year round.
Even if your home or apartment, you can always get a portable unit. They’re mobile and can supplement existing HVAC systems. And you can always call an electrician if you run into any problems. If you’re thinking of getting an air conditioner for your home, here are a few tips and tricks to ensure you get the most out of your machine.
1. Inspect the exhaust hose
The exhaust hose is essential to the safe and proper operation of the air conditioner. Exhaust hoses are designed to vent the hot air out of the room. Whether you insert it through a window or a sliding door, the hose should remain straight at all times.
Don’t even think of extending the hose either. To ensure maximum efficiency, the exhaust hose should be kept as short as possible. The standard hose is usually around 2 meters long, which is long enough to reach the venting outlet. By keeping the hose straight and short, less moisture remains within the system, saving you from possible moisture damage.
2. Keep the door closed
If you’re cooling an enclosed space such as rooms and basements, always keep the doors and windows closed. Keeping all points of entry closed ensures cool air is contained within the room and keeps warm air from entering. For open spaces such as living rooms and dens, you might need to compensate for the floor space and add more portable units as needed.
3. Keep away from sunlight
Position the air conditioner in a place away from direct sunlight. Keep in mind that the exhaust hose still has to reach an outlet. If possible, place the machine in the darkest corner of the room to keep it from overheating and to maximize the amount of cool air it can generate.
4. Turn it on early
It seems wasteful, but it’s better to turn on the air conditioner a few hours before you enter the room. Switching it on in the late afternoon or the early morning saves more energy and allows for better cooling since the ambient temperature is lower. Lower temperatures also mean that the air conditioner won’t have to exert much effort to cool the space. Many portable units also have built-in timers if you don’t want to keep it running indefinitely.
5. Eliminate any heat sources
Air conditioners have to work harder if the space is too warm. Eliminate or switch off possible sources of heat such as electronics and light bulbs. A light bulb might not produce much heat on its own, but add other electrical devices to the mix, and the air conditioner has to expend more energy to do its job. Computers, televisions, and small appliances are some of the biggest culprits.
Adjusting your routine also helps in improving your energy and cooling efficiency. For instance, instead of using the oven to cook food, you can use a cooktop or microwave instead. Small changes go a long way in improving your home’s efficiency.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
