Summer might seem like it’s still a few months away. But before you know it, you’ll be moving from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is working frequently to maintain comfortable temperatures. It’s wise to prepare for the increased usage before temperatures heat up.
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and our team of Experts can assist you. We’ve made our comprehensive air conditioning memberships to boost your system’s energy efficiency and dependability. 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 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 part. Our Experts take care of this during your yearly air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the surroundings around your air conditioner will go a long way as well. We suggest:
- Getting rid of twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner.
- Keeping nearby grass and plants cut back.
- Maintaining at minimum 1 foot of free room on all sides around your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner’s fins get full of dirt or yard refuse, this can decrease performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to run longer to provide the same level of cool air. In bad cases, it could stop working altogether and need air conditioning repair.
Your comfort and satisfaction are important to us, so we want to minimize the likelihood of repairs in the first place. A clean air conditioner generally runs more efficiently, is less likely to malfunction and typically lasts longer.
2. Put in a New Air Filter
Routinely replacing your air filter is crucial for your air conditioner’s health. During a service visit, our techs examine filters and put in new ones if needed. Replacing the filter is quick and easy. You can (and should) do it on your own when possible!
How often you need to install a new filter depends on:
- The style of filter you use.
- If someone in your home has asthma, allergies or other respiratory issues.
- If you have pets.
Basic flat filters usually last for 30–60 days. Deeper pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you don’t know if your filter needs to be replaced, take it out, and tilt it toward the light. Put in a new one if you can’t see light through it.
Filters trap dust, pollen and other contaminants from your home’s air, keeping airflow clean. Neglecting it will lower your house’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
Sometimes a blocked filter may even damage your system or cause it to break down. Frequently putting in a new one will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more level.
If someone in your household suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, check with our Experts about how a HEPA filter can lessen symptoms.
3. Test Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors
Now is a great time to check other critical components of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you use a programmable thermostat, check that it’s operating like it should. If the batteries are getting low, replace them.
For more control and convenience, consider installing a smart thermostat. They make conserving energy easier. And select models can even alert you if there’s a situation with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs replacement.
Even though they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is an excellent time to inspect the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Confirming they’re still good delivers peace of mind and an additional layer of safety.
4. Keep Heat Outdoors
One of the wisest ways to increase energy-efficient cooling is to decrease the amount of outdoor heat seeping into your home. Using quality window treatments including blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can keep the sun from influencing your home’s temperatures.
Here are a few other methods to keep your home cold without adjusting the thermostat:
- Run ceiling fans when you’re in the room.
- Run your bathroom fan to eliminate heat and humidity when you shower.
- Keep air vents clean to ensure adequate airflow.
- Add caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Rely on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our guide will help your air conditioner operate more efficiently this summer. But the smartest way you can increase efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some pluses of this service involve:
- Headache-free cooling.
- Likely reduced cooling bills.
- Possibly lengthening your air conditioner’s life span.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid.
Make sure your air conditioning is prepared for this summer! Contact the heating and cooling Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning right away! Call us at 239-908-6991 to schedule your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.