However, sometimes you may notice that your split AC not cooling your home as effectively as it should. Don’t worry! In this article, we will share some tips and tricks on how you can improve your split AC cooling and enjoy a cooler home.
1. Clean and Maintain the Filters:
One of the most common reasons for split AC not cooling is dirty filters. Over time, the filters in your AC unit can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris, which can restrict the airflow and reduce the cooling performance. Therefore, it’s essential to clean and maintain the filters regularly.
You can start by turning off the AC unit and removing the filters. Depending on your AC model, the filters may be located in the indoor unit or in the air handling unit. Wash the filters with mild soap and water or vacuum them to remove the dust and dirt. Make sure they are completely dry before reinstalling them. Cleaning the filters at least once a month during the cooling season is recommended for optimal performance.
2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean:
The outdoor unit of your split AC is responsible for expelling the heat absorbed from your indoor space. If the outdoor unit is dirty or covered with debris, it can reduce the system’s cooling efficiency. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep the outdoor unit clean and free from obstructions.
Regularly inspect the outdoor unit and remove any leaves, dirt, or debris that may have accumulated around it. You can use a hose to gently spray water on the coils to remove dirt and dust. Be sure to turn off the AC unit before cleaning the outdoor unit and allow it to dry completely before turning it on again.
3. Check for Leaks in the Ducts:
In some cases, reduced cooling in a split AC may be due to leaks in the ducts that connect the indoor and outdoor units. Leaky ducts can allow cooled air to escape, resulting in decreased cooling performance and increased energy consumption.
Inspect the ducts for any visible signs of leaks, such as gaps, holes, or loose connections. If you find any issues, seal them with duct tape. You may also consider hiring a professional technician to conduct a duct inspection and perform any necessary repairs for optimal cooling performance.
4. Insulate Your Home:
Proper insulation is essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and maximizing the cooling efficiency of your split AC. Insulation helps to seal your home from the outdoor heat, preventing it from entering your indoor space and reducing the load on your AC unit.
Insulate your home by sealing air leaks around windows and doors, insulating the walls and roof, and using insulated curtains or blinds to block out sunlight. This will help keep your home cool and reduce the workload on your split AC, resulting in better cooling performance.
5. Use a Ceiling Fan or Portable Fan:
Using a ceiling fan or a portable fan in conjunction with your split AC can improve the airflow and distribute cool air more evenly throughout your room. Fans help to circulate the cool air, making your room feel cooler and reducing the load on your AC unit.
Ensure that your ceiling fan is rotating counter clockwise during the summer months, as this will create a cooling breeze. You can also use a portable fan to direct cool air towards specific areas that need more cooling, such as your bed or workspace. Using fans in conjunction with your split AC can help you achieve a more comfortable indoor environment and improve the overall cooling performance.
6. Optimize the Thermostat Settings:
The thermostat settings of your split AC play a crucial role in its cooling performance. Setting the thermostat to a lower temperature doesn’t necessarily mean that the AC will cool faster. It will only make the AC work harder, resulting in increased energy consumption and reduced cooling efficiency.
To optimize the thermostat settings, set it to the desired temperature and avoid frequent adjustments. Also, consider using a programmable thermostat that can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule, ensuring optimal cooling performance and energy efficiency.
7. Avoid Heat-Generating Appliances:
Appliances such as incandescent lights, ovens, and clothes dryers generate heat when in use, which can raise the temperature in your room and make it harder for your split AC to cool the space.
To improve the cooling performance of your AC, try to minimize the use of heat-generating appliances during the hottest times of the day. Instead, use energy-efficient LED lights, cook with a microwave or a slow cooker, and hang your clothes to dry outdoors.
8. Regular Maintenance:
Regular maintenance of your split AC is essential to keep it running efficiently. Apart from cleaning the air filters, as mentioned earlier, make sure to schedule periodic professional maintenance for your AC system.
This may include cleaning the coils, checking refrigerant levels, tightening electrical connections, and inspecting the overall performance of the system. Regular maintenance can help identify and rectify any issues that may be affecting the cooling performance of your split AC, ensuring optimal performance.
9. Consider External Shading:
Another effective way to improve the cooling performance of your split AC is by providing external shading to the outdoor unit. Direct exposure to sunlight can cause the outdoor unit to heat up, reducing its efficiency in expelling the absorbed heat.
You can install a shade over the outdoor unit to protect it from direct sunlight. However, make sure that the shading device does not obstruct the airflow around the unit and allows for proper ventilation.
10. Ensure Proper Airflow:
Proper airflow is crucial for efficient cooling in a split AC system. Make sure that there are no obstructions blocking the airflow to the indoor unit, such as furniture, curtains, or other objects.
Keep the area around the indoor unit clear and allow the air to flow freely. Additionally, ensure that the louvers on the indoor unit are not blocked and are adjusted to direct the airflow upwards for better distribution of cooled air across the room.