Summer might seem like it’s a long time off away. But before you blink, you’ll be switching from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is cooling around the clock to maintain comfortable temperatures. It’s beneficial to prepare for the increased usage before temperatures really start to climb.
Service Experts and our team of Experts can help. We’ve designed our all-inclusive air conditioning memberships to increase your system’s energy efficiency and trustworthiness. Our professional knowledge goes a long way, but there are lots of other tasks you can do to protect your air conditioner. Here are four of the best ways you can Prepare for air conditioning season.
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Don’t fret, you won’t have to disassemble your system and clean every part. Our Experts do this during your annual air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the area around your air conditioner will go a long way too. We recommend:
- Getting rid of twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner.
- Keeping neighboring grass and plants cut back.
- Maintaining at minimum 1 foot of open space on all sides around your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner’s fins get clogged with dirt or yard refuse, this can influence performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to run more often to deliver the same level of cooling. In extreme cases, it might stop cooling altogether and need air conditioning repair.
Your comfort and satisfaction are important to us, so we like to minimize the possibility of repairs in the first place. A well-maintained air conditioner typically cools more efficiently, is less likely to malfunction and usually lasts longer.
2. Change Your Air Filter
Routinely replacing your air filter is critical for your air conditioner’s health. During a tune-up visit, our techs check filters and replace them if required. Putting in a new filter is speedy and straightforward. You can (and should) do it on your own when you can!
How frequently you need to install a new filter depends on:
- The type of filter you use.
- If someone in your house has asthma, allergies or other respiratory concerns.
- If you have pets.
Basic flat filters normally last for 30Ð60 days. Thicker pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you're unsure if your filter needs to be replaced, take it out, and tilt it toward the light. Get a new one if you can’t see light through it.
Filters remove dust, pollen and other pollutants from your home's air, keeping airflow clean. Disregarding it will impact your home's indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
Sometimes a clogged filter may even damage your system or cause it to malfunction. Regularly replacing it will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more consistent.
If someone in your home is dealing with allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, check with our Experts about how a HEPA filter can lessen symptoms.
3. Check Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors
Now is a great time to test other essential components of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you use a programmable thermostat, make sure that it’s working correctly. If the batteries are running low, replace them.
For added control and convenience, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. They make saving energy less complicated. And select models can even tell you if there’s trouble with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs to be changed.
Although they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is a great time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Making sure they still have juice gives peace of mind and an added layer of protection.
4. Keep Heat Outdoors
One of the wisest ways to boost energy-efficient cooling is to minimize the amount of outdoor heat coming into your residence. Using premium window treatments like blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can stop the sun from influencing your home's temperatures.
Here are a couple other methods to keep your residence cool without adjusting the thermostat:
- Turn on ceiling fans when you’re in the room.
- Turn on your bathroom fan to eliminate heat and humidity when you shower.
- Keep air vents clean to ensure proper airflow.
- Install caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Rely on Service Experts for Skilled Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our guide will help your air conditioner cool better this summer. But the wisest way you can increase efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some benefits of this service include:
- Worry-free cooling.
- Likely cheaper cooling expenses.
- Potentially increasing your air conditioner’s lifetime.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty ongoing.
Make sure your air conditioning is prepped for this summer! Call the heating and cooling Experts at Service Experts today! Reach us at (866) 963-7996 to schedule your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.
