Improving AC Efficiency-How Hot Is Your Condensor?

Alot of homeowners may not realize it, but maintaining and servicing your exterior condensing unit is one of the most effective ways you can lower your cooling costs. This is especially important in this latest economic downturn, and with the outside temperatures approaching 110 degrees. Your condensing unit is the part of your air conditioning system which sits outside the house and is exposed to the extreme heat of the summer and cold in the winter. This makes is much more susceptible to break down and required service.

The condensing unit works by a fan pulling air across the hot freon in the coils from the exterior, thru the unit and out the top. The only problem is, it can also pull in grass, cottonwood pollen, dirt, and other assorted coil clogging debris. This restricts air flow and cooling of the hot freon and can cause premature failure of your compressor, (Repair/replacement costs can vary but average around $1500-$2500 if the compressor or entire condensing unit has to be replaced). "That is why it is very important to check the coils at the start of the cooling season, but also at various times throughout the summer to insure proper air flow across the coils." says Don Thomason with Thomason Heating and Air Conditioning. "Clogged condensing unit coils cause the system to run hotter and longer, significantly reducing the effective life expectancy of the unit".

The importance of air flow across the coils is also important with regards to landscaping. Keep landscaping shrubs/grasses from close proximity to the unit. This can also cause reduced air flow and premature failure of the compressor as easily as dirt and debris clogging the coils.

Although condensing units are rated for several years of service by their manufacturers', regular routine maintenance and service can insure full service life and reduced utility costs throughout the service life of the unit.

For more maintenance tips and helpful homeowner information, please visit our website at http://abouthomeinspection.com, or contact our offices at 918/812-8954.

Attic Insulation and Ventilation

Most homeowners do not realize the importance of proper insulation and ventilation when it comes to improving the efficiency of thier home. Attic ventilation is necessary to prevent moisture problems and heat build up which can shorten roof life expectancy and reduce cooling efficiency. Proper installation and amounts of insulation at the attic will also limit heat and cold transfer from the interior living space to and from the attic.


In the summer, heat builds up in the attic space, which will cool at night if the attic is properly ventilated. However, if the attic is unventilated or ventilated incorrectly, the heat will build-up over a period of days and continue to increase the temperature inside the attic.



A 90-degree day with no attic ventilation can heat the roof sheating to 170 degress or more. Heat readiating from the sheathing down to the attic floor can raise its temperature to as much as 140 degrees. Without adequate ventilation, today's heavier insulation will absorb and hold more heat built-up during the day and make the attic less likley to cool at night. Overheated ceiling insulation conducts the heat through the ceiling down to the residents of the home. This causes the air conditioning system to operator for longer periods of time to reduce the heat.



Under these extreme temperatures, roof sheathing material can also delaminate, becoming brittle and hazardous to walk on when traversing your roof. It can also delaminate to the point of requiring complete replacement at time of tear off and repalcement of your roof covering, raising roof replacement costs significantly.







For more information on Attic Insulation and Ventilation, and links to a homeowner checklist for proper ventilation, visit our website: abouthomeinspection.com , and click on the Attic Ventilation link.



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