How To Prepare for Air Conditioning Season? Our Tips
With summer now here, the heat is ready to take hold. So it’s time to make sure you are prepared for the hottest days of the year with a properly maintained air conditioning system. Here are four things you can do to get your air conditioning ready for summer.
Clean Your Air Conditioning System
When dirt and debris from yard waste get into your AC fan, it can affect performance and your overall comfort. This can cause your air conditioner to run more frequently just to provide your home with the same comfort level of cool air. In some cases, you may need air conditioner repair to get it working effectively again.
While you will not have to disassemble your air conditioning system to take care of every component, it’s important to keep it clean. The air conditioning contractors provide this service during regular AC maintenance appointments. Read more: https://ductechinc.com/
However, cleaning the area around your air conditioning unit will certainly help. We recommend:
- Removing sticks, leaves, trash, and grass clippings from the area near your air conditioner
- Trimming back the lawn and shrubs
- Ensuring there is at least 1-foot of space around the air conditioning unit
Air Filter Replacement
To ensure a healthy air conditioner that operates efficiently, it’s important to replace the air filter. Filters capture dust, pollen, and other harmful particles from blowing into your home’s air, allowing you to breathe healthy air. Failure to replace your air filter can decrease your home’s indoor air quality as well as your air conditioning system’s efficiency.
Filters clogged with dust and debris can damage your system and cause it to malfunction or stop functioning entirely. Clean air filters will keep your air conditioner’s internal components clean and the airflow more consistent.
Check Your Thermostat
It is vital to make sure your entire system operates effectively, including your thermostat.
When getting AC service, it’s a good time to inspect other important parts of your HVAC system and safety measures. Ensure your programmable thermostat is set properly, operating as it should and if it is not hardwired into your home, that the batteries are replaced as needed.
To have better, more accurate control and convenience, make the switch to a smart thermostat. These make it easy to save on your energy bill. Some are even capable of detecting and reporting issues with your air conditioning system and can remind you of when to replace your air filter.
Although they are technically not part of your AC system, it’s also a good opportunity to check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensure they are clean and have fully charged batteries for your peace of mind and safety.
Keep the Heat Out
Maintaining energy efficiency is made easier, and in turn, cooling is more efficient, by keeping the heat from getting in. This is done by sealing your doors and windows and using blackout shades, shutters, and curtains. These can keep the sun from warming your home while you have the air conditioning running.
Try these solutions that can maintain a cool indoor space without turning down the thermostat setting to keep your air conditioning blowing:
- Use ceiling fans available in the space
- Always use the bathroom fan to draw out heat and humidity during showers
- Maintain proper airflow by keeping vents open and unobstructed
- Seal your doors and windows with caulking and weatherstripping
Enjoy The Shade
Trees planted in the right spots around your home can give you plenty of shade and protection from the sun’s heat. As well, your air conditioning system will function best when not under direct sunlight. Think of a shady spot for your air conditioning installation.
Consider a New AC Replacement
You may have an air conditioning unit that is over 10 years old, needs frequent AC repairs, or is not providing the same level of comfortably cool air you’re used to. These are signs that it might be time for an AC replacement. New air conditioners generally offer up to 50 percent greater efficiency than older models with much better performance. The expert air conditioning contractors can help to determine the proper system for your home.
Test The Performance of Your AC System
After replacing filters, cleaning the ducts, and maintaining the unit, check on the functionality of your air conditioning system with a little test. This way, you can properly check that everything from the thermostat to the air filter, vents, and piping all work perfectly together. It’s easier to prepare your air conditioning for the summer heat when you know where the issues might be. This will also allow you to find the right temperature settings that you feel most comfortable with to get you through the summer.
When the AC is running check for:
- Cool air blowing through the vents
- Unusual sounds coming from the unit or the ductwork
- Leaks or hissing pipes
- Bad smells
- A powerful breeze from the fan
- Proper functionality in all systems
If you find any issues from the list above, you may want to call a professional for AC service. You may be able to clean or replace parts yourself, but air conditioning contractors can perform a thorough check on everything, which requires the expertise that only a licensed professional can provide. Air conditioners can be tricky so it’s best to be sure that all bases are covered.
Call for Professional AC Service
There is only so much you can do on your own to keep your air conditioner running efficiently all summer long. That’s why we suggest an annual AC service from an expert. You can count on a professional to provide a full check and clean of every part of your unit, making the proper adjustments where necessary.
Usually, AC maintenance is recommended annually but it depends on how often you use it and the brand of your unit. AC service will include stripping down of the unit, cleaning or replacing the filter, a coil check, monitoring gas levels, Ensuring good airflow, and keeping the heating and cooling functioning optimally.
