:: Air Compressor Parts ::

If you are like everybody else in the world, you will want your air conditioner to last as long as possible. These units can be very expensive to replace, so proper air conditioner maintenance is a must. By caring for your unit properly, you will be able to keep it for as long as possible. This will surely save you a couple thousands of dollars throughout the course of your life.

While trying to keep your air conditioner in tip top condition, there are a couple of tips that you will want to follow. They are as follows:

1. Make sure that you check all of the hoses for leaks at least twice a year. The best times to do this is before you turn your unit on for the summer, and just before you are ready to turn it off for the winter. By doing this you will be able to catch onto any problems before they get to be too serious for repair.

2. It is important to keep the outside compressor as clean as possible. Of course it is going to get dirty because of natural occurrences, but by spraying it off with a hose every so often, you will be able to keep it looking new for longer.

3. Have the ductwork cleaned by a professional every couple of years. This maintenance may not seem like a big deal, but it can extend the life of your air conditioner.

4. During the winter months, make sure that you keep the compressor covered. By doing this you will protect it from cold weather as well as harsh conditions such as snow and sleet. When you are buying your air conditioner, ask the installation company if they also have a cover that you can buy. If they do, you should purchase one on the spot. This way you will always have a cover that fits your unit without hassle.

Air conditioner maintenance is very important if you want your unit to last a long time.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.homediy101.com where you can get more home repair and do it yourself tips along with articles on air conditioning maintenance and repair.

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The government often tries to influence our behavior through taxes. The tax credit for new energy efficient cooling systems in our homes is one example.

As part of the provisions in the Energy Policy Act 2005, homeowners are entitled to claim tax credits on use of a few energy saving items. They include the use of energy saving windows, doors, roofing, furnace and boiler, water heater and air conditioner. As energy becomes scarcer by the day, it is essential to conserve as much energy as possible. The government, by way of giving tax credits, also encourages using alternate sources of energy.

Using energy efficient air conditioning systems is one of the items that qualify for tax credit. Individuals who install this type of air conditioner are eligible for a tax credit of up to $300. The models that qualify are obviously costlier than the ordinary ones. However, this calculation would show that it is advisable to install a new energy saving air conditioner. Even if you save just $10 a month on average by way of electricity bills it comes to $120 for a year. Add to that the tax credit of $300, your net saving is $420. This amount should be good enough to prod a homeowner into buying an energy efficient air-conditioner.

Of course, not all air conditioners are eligible for a tax credit. Even, not all Energy Star air conditioners qualify, only some do. Very efficient central air conditioners qualify for the tax credit if they meet the following criteria:

1. The Energy Efficiency Ratio has to be 13.0 or higher (in some states its 12.5).

2. Certified technician needs to install the equipment.

3. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) has to be 15.

SEER measures performance throughout the season and EER measures performance on a very hot day. Central Air conditioning systems must meet the standards set by the Consortium of Energy Efficiency (CEE). The specifications for each state vary slightly.

The tax credit for energy efficient cooling systems in our home is just another step in saving money on both your energy bill and taxes. Since tax credits are reduced from the actual amount of tax you owe, not your gross income, you should strongly consider taking advantage of this one.

Richard A. Chapo is with Business Tax Recovery - providing information on taxes.

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There are a few things you can do to take care of your air conditioner and make its life a little longer and a little easier.

How does your air conditioner work? Simply stated, an air conditioning unit removes heat from the air and blows it outside with an outdoor fan. An indoor fan pulls room air across an evaporator coil filled with refrigerant and transfers cool air into your home. Obviously, the movement of air by fans is a big part of the system. That’s why it is so important to replace the filter at least once a month.

As dust is picked up, it is trapped on the filter, and you would be surprised how quickly the dust accumulates. Trying to pull air through a clogged filter just makes the fan work harder, raising your utility bill.

The same is true for the fan in the outdoor unit. Make sure the outside of the unit is away from shrubs and other vegetation growth, and keep the unit as clean and free of leaves and dirt as possible. Provide at least five feet of clearance at the top and two feet on all sides of the unit.

When using your air conditioning, the best method is to leave the temperature setting at one comfortable spot. The more you move the temperature up and down, the more work your system must do. If you must move the temperature setting, make the smallest movement possible.

Another way to prolong the life of your air conditioning unit is to operate your other appliances wisely. Dishwashers, washers, dryers and stoves all generate heat and humidity indoors. Try to schedule laundry and cooking during the mornings or evenings to avoid taxing your air conditioner in the heat of the day. Use an exhaust fan in the kitchen, and vent your clothes dryer outside to give your air conditioner a hand.

Sunshine is also an enemy of air conditioning. Keep drapes and shades pulled to prevent sunlight form streaming into rooms. Over 20 percent of your bill can be due to sunlight.

Also, make sure the drain your condensation drips into is clear. Pour a cup of regular laundry bleach down the drain once a month to kill algae and mold and keep the drain running smoothly.

Scott Ethridge is a senior air conditioning consultant with R.S. Andrews in Atlanta, Georgia.

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