Simple AC Fix Could Save Homeowners Hundreds on Summer Energy Bills

As summer approaches, homeowners are being reminded of a simple yet crucial maintenance task that could significantly impact their energy bills. Ron Grant, a professional inspector and consultant, recently demonstrated how damaged insulation on outdoor air conditioning units can lead to substantial energy loss and increased cooling costs. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner is responsible for removing heat from a home, with refrigerant lines carrying the heat away. However, Grant points out that these lines, particularly the larger suction line, are often exposed to damage from landscaping equipment like weed eaters. "Landscapers with their weed eaters do not care about this at all," Grant stated, showing a section of insulation that had been cut away, exposing the refrigerant line. This exposure means that the freon, which is hot as it leaves the house, loses some of its cooling efficiency before it even re-enters the home. Grant explained, "Before the freon even goes into your house, you're already losing cooling efficiency by having this section exposed." The good news, according to Grant, is that this is an easy and inexpensive repair. He demonstrated how to replace the damaged section of foam insulation, noting that a piece of 1-inch diameter foam insulation typically costs only "two, three dollars." After cutting the appropriate length, the new insulation is placed over the exposed line and secured with duct tape for added protection. Grant emphasized the importance of periodic checks. "You have to do this periodically, and you need to come out and check it at the beginning of each summer so that you're not throwing money out the window." This simple DIY fix can help homeowners maintain their AC system's efficiency and save money on electricity throughout the warmer months.

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One HVAC pro on TikTok revealed how landscaping practices can damage the insulation on your AC's lines, leading to higher energy bills.