How to Run the Air Conditioning in a New Home

Using a brand new air-conditioning system can be as simple as turning it on and walking away, letting it function automatically. However, some air-conditioning systems in new homes may come with programmable thermostats, which add a layer of complexity when turning on the air conditioning for the first time. Builders use programmable thermostats to reduce the energy consumption in new homes. This helps homeowners save money on utility bills and also lowers overall energy consumption.

• 1

  Open the air handler to make sure that the filter is in place. Running an air conditioner without a filter can damage the unit immediately, especially in new homes where carpets shed for a while after installation. If there is no filter, contact the homebuilder's warranty department or read the user's manual to learn what kind to use.

• 2

  Set the parameters on the thermostat if the unit has this feature. When you are not at home, you can program the thermostat at higher temperatures, saving electricity. You can set the unit to turn on shortly before you come home to cool the house down.

• 3

  Check the fan setting. The air handler can stay on constantly to circulate the air inside the home or it can be set to automatic so that the unit only blows when the outdoor compressor is running. According to the Salt River Project, a major utility provider in the Phoenix metro area, running the fan constantly adds to the electrical bill and provides few benefits.

• 4

  Check each room for cool air. Sometimes in the construction process, the air ducts can separate from each other, which ends up blowing cold air into the attic and not into your home. If a room is not sufficiently cool compared to the rest of the house, call the builder's warranty department. Depending on how hot the home is, you could either turn the whole system off until a technician comes to inspect the problem. If you continue to run the system with a leaky duct, your utility bill may be high.

• 5

  Mark the calendar or make a mental note to change the filter or clean it once a month for the most efficient cooling and to maintain the system at optimum levels.