Summer might seem like it’s a long time off away. But before you realize, you’ll be switching from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is working around the clock to maintain comfy temperatures. It’s beneficial to prepare for the additional usage before temperatures get warmer.
Climate Control Service Experts and our team of Experts can assist you. We’ve made our comprehensive air conditioning memberships to maximize your system’s energy efficiency and trustworthiness. Our professional knowledge goes a long way, but there are a lot of other steps you can take 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 fret, you won’t have to take apart your system and clean every component. Our Experts do this during your yearly air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the area around your air conditioner will go a long way as well. We recommend:
- Getting rid of twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner.
- Keeping nearby grass and plants clipped back.
- Maintaining at least 1 foot of free 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 give the same level of cool air. In severe 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 possibility of repairs in the first place. A regularly serviced air conditioner generally cools more efficiently, is less likely to break down and usually 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 specialists inspect filters and replace them if needed. Replacing the filter is quick and easy. You can (and should) do it on your own when possible!
How frequently you need to replace your filter depends on:
- The style of filter you use.
- If someone in your home 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. Get a new one if you can’t see light through it.
Filters trap dust, pollen and other particles from your home’s air, keeping airflow fresh. Disregarding it will impact your home’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
Sometimes a blocked filter may even damage your system or cause it to stop working. Often putting in a new one will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more balanced.
If someone in your home has allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues, 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 critical components of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you use a programmable thermostat, ensure that it’s operating like it should. If the batteries are running low, replace them.
For more control and convenience, consider installing a smart thermostat. They make using less energy easier. And select models can even alert you if there’s a problem with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs to be changed.
Even though they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is a good time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Making sure they’re still good delivers peace of mind and an extra layer of safety.
4. Keep Heat Outside
One of the best ways to increase energy-efficient cooling is to minimize the concentration of outside heat coming into your house. Using good window treatments such as blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can keep the sun from influencing interior temperatures.
Here are several other approaches to keep your house chilly without turning down 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 unobstructed to ensure proper airflow.
- Add caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Depend on Climate Control Service Experts for Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our checklist will help your air conditioner run smoother this summer. But the best way you can increase efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some perks of this service involve:
- Stress-free cooling.
- Likely lower cooling expenses.
- Possibly increasing your air conditioner’s lifetime.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty ongoing.
Make sure your air conditioning is prepped for this summer! Get in touch with the heating and cooling Experts at Climate Control Service Experts today! Contact us at 251-202-7503 to book your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.