Summer may seem like it’s in the far future away. But before you blink, you’ll be switching from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is running regularly to maintain comfortable temperatures. It’s beneficial to prep for the increased usage before temperatures heat up.
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and our team of Experts can provide support. We’ve designed our all-inclusive air conditioning memberships to increase your system’s energy efficiency and reliability. Our professional expertise goes a long way, but there are many other steps you can take to protect your air conditioner. Here are four of the top ways you can get ready for air conditioning season.
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Don’t fret, you won’t have to disassemble your system and clean every component. Our Experts take care of this during your routine air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the surroundings around your air conditioner will go a long way too. We advise:
- Clearing twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner.
- Keeping surrounding grass and plants cut back.
- Maintaining at least 1 foot of clear space on all sides around your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner’s fins get blocked by 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 comfort. In extreme cases, it could stop cooling altogether and need air conditioning repair.
Your comfort and satisfaction are important to us, so we want to minimize the need for repairs in the first place. A clean air conditioner typically operates more efficiently, is less likely to malfunction and typically lasts longer.
2. Change Your Air Filter
Routinely replacing your air filter is important for your air conditioner’s well-being. During a service visit, our pros examine filters and put in new ones if needed. Replacing the filter is quick and simple. You can (and should) do it on your own when possible!
How often you need to replace your filter depends on:
- The style of filter you use.
- If someone in your house has asthma, allergies or other respiratory problems.
- If you have pets.
Basic flat filters typically last for 30–60 days. More dense pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you’re unsure if your filter needs to be replaced, take it out, and hold it up to the light. Put in a new one if you can’t see light through it.
Filters trap dust, pollen and other contaminants from your residence’s air, keeping airflow healthy. Neglecting it will impact your house’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
In some situations a dirty filter may even damage your system or cause it to malfunction. Regularly changing it will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more consistent.
If someone in your home has allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, ask our Experts about how a HEPA filter can relieve symptoms.
3. Inspect Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors
Now is a good time to check other essential components of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you use a programmable thermostat, check that it’s operating right. If the batteries are running out, get new ones.
For additional control and convenience, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. They make conserving energy less complicated. And some models can even notify you if there’s an issue with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs replacing.
Although they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is an excellent time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Making sure they still work gives peace of mind and an additional layer of security.
4. Keep Heat Where it Belongs
One of the wisest ways to increase energy-efficient cooling is to reduce the concentration of outdoor heat getting into your house. Using premium window treatments including blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can keep the sun from affecting interior temperatures.
Here are several other approaches to keep your home cool without lowering the thermostat:
- Turn on ceiling fans when you’re in the room.
- Turn on your bathroom fan to get rid of heat and humidity when you shower.
- Keep air vents unobstructed to ensure proper airflow.
- Add caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Trust Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our guide will help your air conditioner cool smoother this summer. But the best way you can increase efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some pluses of this service include:
- Worry-free cooling.
- Potentially reduced cooling expenses.
- Potentially lengthening your air conditioner’s life expectancy.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty intact.
Make sure your air conditioning is prepped for this summer! Call the heating and cooling Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning right away! Contact us at 540-302-8645 to book your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.