It's hot in Windsor. Here's how to get your AC unit to run better
Cleaning and servicing air conditioning units is not only essential to a healthy and well maintained system, it will also help consumers save money on their hydro bill, the owner of a Windsor AC company said.
Al Lewenza, of Al's Air Conditioning, said if AC units are not cleaned, this will contribute to the system working overtime.
"With the price of hydro nowadays, a clean machine pulls a lot less amps, so that's a benefit right there just on hydro," Lewenza told CBC News.
Amp or ampere is one of the standard units of measurement used to define measurements of electricity — an amp being one unit of constant electrical current.
Lewenza's comments come as Windsor deals with its first extended blast of hot weather this year.
In addition to lowering the hydro bill, Lewenza said there are other benefits to having AC units cleaned and serviced.
"You're going to be cooler, it's going to be fresher. If you've got breathing problems, asthma problems, you know, it's all disinfected [during the cleaning, so] there's no mould," he said.
"There are many, many benefits all around it. It's a plus plus."
LISTEN | CBC's Mike Hargreaves speaks with AC repairman Al Lewenza:
A spokesperson for Hydro One says the company provides a number of energy savings tips for consumers.
We have plenty of ideas for cooling your home efficiently, keeping your system running optimally, and lowering energy costs — all at the same time, the company said on its website.
Tips shared by the company include:
Closing blinds.
Sealing leaks.
Clearing clutter from outdoor air conditioning units.
Switching on fans during and after a shower, and the range hood while cooking.
Leave cleaning to the professionals
Meanwhile, Lewenza said once a unit has been around for three years, it's time for it to be cleaned and serviced.
He said an amp test is done to show how many amps the unit should be pulling.
"If it doesn't match up [with the manufacturer's guide] when you do take an amp test, you know, the red flags are up, it needs to be serviced," he said.
"You've got to take the unit right apart. I sterilize every part that's on the unit, the front grill, the frame, the back grill and the inside because mould will certainly grow in these units.A dark area, moisture, that's the recipe for mould. So, you have to be very, very careful with that.
"Sometimes you can see the mould just by looking in the front grill at the top where the cool air comes out. Take a light and look in there and if you see black specks that's the sign of mould," Lewenza added.
He said the air conditioning unit should also be on its own circuit.
Having your computer, modem, and other appliances plugged into the same circuit as the air conditioning unit is too much, he said.
"[It] pulls too many amps and you'll end up [tripping] the breaker," Lewenza said.
