Air Conditioner

You can buy a new AC capacitor through most big-box home improvement stores, from an HVAC contractor, or from the manufacturer. Use the model number of your air conditioning unit to make sure you purchase the right part for your unit. Also, keep in mind that the cost of this type of part can vary significantly depending on who you purchase it from, so shop around to get the best price.

While you’re busy swapping out that old compressor, now is a great time to have your furnace cleaned and serviced , especially if your home is older and your heating system is as old as your AC unit. Likewise, it’s a good idea to clean your air ducts to ensure air flows properly through the house.

The higher the BTU rating an air conditioner has, the more effective it can be at cooling your space. It will cool off your room faster in the short term. However, over the long term, if the unit has too many BTUs for the space, it can wear down the unit faster and shorten its life span.

An air conditioner’s watt usage depends on multiple factors, including the type of AC unit, its size, and how often you use it. With that said, most central air conditioners consume between 3,000 and 3,500 watts. Meanwhile, window AC units use 900 to 1,400 watts, and portable air conditioners consume 2,900 to 4,100 watts.

You can protect your air conditioner in the winter by turning off the power at the thermostat and performing routine HVAC maintenance in the spring. Regular maintenance, cleaning, and repair of your AC unit helps protect it and extend its life span. If you have a window AC unit, remove it from the window and store it in a dry place during the winter. Window units cannot withstand freezing temperatures. Keeping them in your window also allows cold air to seep into your home.