Summer may feel like it’s still a few months away. But before you know it, you’ll be switching from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is cooling frequently to maintain comfortable temperatures. It’s wise to prepare for the extra usage before temperatures get warmer.
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and our team of Experts can help. We’ve created our detailed air conditioning memberships to increase your system’s energy efficiency and trustworthiness. Our professional expertise goes a long way, but there are lots of other things you can do to protect your air conditioner. Here are four of the greatest ways you can prepare for air conditioning season.
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Don’t worry, you won’t have to dismantle your system and clean every piece. Our Experts handle this during your yearly air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the space 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 surrounding grass and plants cut back.
- Maintaining no less than 1 foot of open space on all sides around your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner’s fins get blocked by dirt or yard refuse, this can decrease performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to run longer to deliver the same level of cool air. In bad cases, it might stop cooling altogether and need air conditioning repair.
Your comfort and satisfaction are our priority, so we want to minimize the possibility of repairs in the first place. A regularly serviced air conditioner typically operates more efficiently, is less likely to malfunction and often lasts longer.
2. Put in a New Air Filter
Regularly replacing your air filter is important for your air conditioner’s wellness. During a maintenance visit, our pros inspect filters and put in new ones if needed. Installing a new filter is quick and straightforward. You can (and should) do it on your own when you can!
How frequently you need to replace your filter depends on:
- The kind of filter you use.
- If someone in your house has asthma, allergies or other respiratory issues.
- If you have pets.
Basic flat filters typically last for 30–60 days. Thicker pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you’re not sure if your filter needs to be replaced, remove it, and angle it toward the light. Put in a new one if you can’t see light through it.
Filters remove dust, pollen and other pollutants from your house’s air, keeping airflow fresh. Neglecting it will lower your residence’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
In some situations a blocked filter might even damage your system or cause it to malfunction. Regularly replacing it will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more level.
If someone in your family is dealing with allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, check with our Experts about how a HEPA filter can help.
3. Check Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors
Now is a great time to test other crucial parts of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you use a programmable thermostat, make sure that it’s running like it should. If the batteries are running low, replace them.
For extra control and convenience, think over installing a smart thermostat. They make conserving energy easier. And a few models can even alert you if there’s a situation with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs replacing.
Despite the fact 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. Ensuring they still work gives peace of mind and an added layer of safety.
4. Keep Heat Outside
One of the wisest ways to enhance energy-efficient cooling is to minimize the amount of outdoor heat getting into your residence. Using premium window treatments such as blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can keep the sun from affecting interior temperatures.
Here are a couple other ways to keep your home cold without adjusting the thermostat:
- Run ceiling fans when you’re in the room.
- Use your bathroom fan to get rid of heat and humidity when you shower.
- Keep air vents clean to ensure proper airflow.
- Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Trust Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Skilled Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our list will help your air conditioner run smoother this summer. But the smartest way you can boost efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some pluses of this service include:
- Worry-free cooling.
- Likely cheaper cooling costs.
- Possibly lengthening your air conditioner’s lifetime.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid.
Make sure your air conditioning is prepped for this summer! Call the heating and cooling Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning now! Reach us at 919-578-4329 to schedule your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.