You might think that in this day and age, every home in the United States is equipped with central air conditioning. However, wall air conditioners are still being used in some places of residence. While homes in the northeast part of the country are more likely to use a wall or window air conditioner, they are used elsewhere in the country as well. Many people find this type of air conditioner easy to install, as well as very economical.  

If you're considering getting a wall air conditioner, here are three things you should know about them.

1. Know What Temperature to Set It At

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, keeping your home at 78 degrees in the summer is the best temperature when it comes to energy efficiency. It's recommended to set your wall air conditioner at this temperature and to keep it running the entire time you're at home. This is more energy-efficient than shutting it off and turning it on periodically throughout the day.

While you're out, you can either shut it off, or, if you don't want it to take a long time to cool the room back down once you get back home, simply set it a higher temperature before you go out.

2. Know When to Replace the Filter

The filter in your air conditioner is what helps keep the dust out of your home while your air is running. Eventually, the dust and particles that it's trying to keep out of your home are going to start building up and getting back into your home, which is why it's important to change the filter on a regular basis.

HVAC experts recommend changing the filter in your air conditioner at least every three months. You should replace it more often if you have allergies or you have pets.

3. Know When It Needs to Be Repaired

A faulty air conditioner may still produce cool air, but it most likely won't run as efficiently as it should, which will cause your energy bill to increase. Here are some tell-tale signs that your air conditioner is in need of repair:

  • You notice odd sounds, such as gurgling or rattling
  • You notice weird smells coming from the unit
  • You notice condensation on the wall near the unit

If your wall unit is more than 10 years old, and it's not keeping the room cool like it once was, you may need professional air conditioning repair services to come and replace the Freon. If this doesn't fix it, it may be time to get a new wall air conditioner.

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