Clean every surface of an air conditioner to eliminate black mold. Air conditioner vents can be breeding grounds for black mold. Condensation forms in the coils and ducts as cool air circulates through the system, creating a habitat for moisture-loving mold. Black mold can cause severe respiratory symptoms, particularly in people who are allergic to mold. After you clean your air conditioner vents, inspect walls and insulation to find the source of the black mold infestation. Wear long sleeves and pants and put on a high-efficiency dust mask to protect yourself from black mold spores. Make sure all household members with mold allergies or respiratory problems are out of the house before you begin to clean the air conditioner vents. Remove the vent cover of a window air conditioner by unscrewing the screws with a screwdriver or pressing in on pressure clips. Place the vent cover in a basin or tub, sprinkle with laundry detergent and add enough water to cover the vent cover. After 15 minutes, rinse and allow the filter and vent cover to air-dry.

Remove dust from the inside of the air conditioner, as the dust in the moist environment allows mold to thrive. Spray the blades and duct opening with water to prevent dry mold from escaping into the air. Wipe the blades and duct opening as thoroughly as possible with soapy water. Mold spores are microscopic and not visible to the naked eye, so clean surfaces even if you do not see mold. Combine 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Wipe the blades, duct opening and the inside of the vent with a long, flexible mop soaked in the bleach solution. Allow the inside of the vent to dry thoroughly before reattaching the vent cover. Black mold can grow in any remaining moisture. Discard mold-infested materials in heavy-duty plastic bags. Take the bags outdoors through a window or door in the room in which you just cleaned to avoid contaminating other areas of the house. Open the windows to create ventilation after you finish cleaning the vents. : Duct CleaningCalifornia Department of Public Health: Mold in My Home — What Do I Do?

We're gonna be like two little Fonzies here. And what's Fonzie like? These changes can keep you cool and save you money. Use ceiling fans to help feel cooler and distribute the cool air. Check to make sure fireplace dampers are closed and fit tightly. Install an attic ventilator. An attic ventilating system draws cool air up through the house and may provide as much comfort as an air conditioner at a much lower cost. Use the system to "pump in" cool air during summer evenings, then seal up the house during the day. Attic ventilation is good for the heating season, too. Select a central air conditioning unit with the lowest suitable capacity and highest efficiency. Ask your dealer to help you determine what you need. Planting trees or shrubs that provide shade for your air-conditioning unit can increase efficiency by up to 10 percent. Do not place lamps or television sets near your thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from appliances, and that might cause the A/C to run longer than necessary.

Don't let a furnace pilot light burn all summer. If your furnace has a standing pilot light, have it replaced with an intermittent ignition device. Then it will use fuel only when necessary.ac unit clicks but wont turn on Use vents and exhaust fans in the kitchen and laundry room to pull heat and moisture directly to the outside.how long does ac unit last Use awnings to keep the sun out of south-facing windows in the summers, You could even plan the overhangs so that they'll shade windows from the high summer sun but let in the lower winter sun.how to tell what size ac unit is Periodic maintenance will keep your cooling system running efficiently. Make sure ducts in your air conditioning system are properly sealed and insulated, especially those that pass through the attic or other uncooled spaces.

Clean or replace your air-conditioning filter each month during the cooling season. Set the air conditioner thermostat at 75 degrees Fahrenheit or higher — 78 degrees is more economical. Use a programmable thermostat that can automatically raise the thermostat setting at least five degrees when no one is home; 85 degrees is ideal. To adjust the thermostat manually, lower the setting a few degrees at a time rather than all at once. It's more economical — and comfortable — to raise the thermostat setting rather than turn off the air conditioner. Setting your thermostat colder than normal when you turn on the A/C will not cool your home faster. It will cool to a lower temperature than you need and use more energy. Keep blinds, shades and drapes closed during the hottest part of the day. Shut your windows during the hottest hours of the day.Standard incandescent light bulbs produce heat, so keep the lights low. Cook during the early morning or late evening hours.

Use cold water whenever possible. Close off unoccupied rooms by closing the vents and shutting the door. Lowering your water heater temperature a few degrees can save on energy usage. Move furniture away from the air registers, allowing for the free flow of cooled air. Turn off air conditioners when you leave the room for several hours. You will use less energy cooling the room later than if you leave it running. Trim bushes or plants near the outdoor air conditioning unit so air can circulate. Make sure the clothes dryer vent does not blow on the outdoor air conditioning unit. Keep storm windows closed when the air conditioning is operating. Locate room air conditioners on a north wall or a side of the building that's shaded. If you are using a window air conditioner, use a fan as well. It will spread cooled air without greatly increasing your power use. Consider replacing old, inefficient air conditioning equipment with a high-efficiency heat pump or air conditioning unit.