Summer might seem like it’s still a few months away. But before you realize, you’ll be switching from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is running around the clock to maintain comfortable temperatures. It’s wise to prepare for the more 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 trustworthiness. Our professional skill goes a long way, but there are lots of other things 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 be concerned, you won’t have to disassemble your system and clean every part. Our Experts handle this during your annual air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the surroundings 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 clipped back.
- Maintaining at minimum 1 foot of clear area 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 work harder to deliver the same level of comfort. In severe cases, it may stop working altogether and need air conditioning repair.
Your comfort and satisfaction are our priority, so we like to minimize the possibility of repairs in the first place. A well-maintained air conditioner generally operates more efficiently, is less likely to break down and usually lasts longer.
2. Change Your Air Filter
Regularly replacing your air filter is crucial for your air conditioner’s health. During a service visit, our pros inspect filters and put in new ones if necessary. Replacing the filter is quick and easy. You can (and should) do it on your own when you can!
How frequently you need to get a new filter depends on:
- The style of filter you use.
- If someone in your home has asthma, allergies or other respiratory concerns.
- If you have pets.
Basic flat filters usually 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, remove it, 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 particles from your home’s air, keeping airflow healthy. Forgetting about it will affect your home’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
Sometimes a dirty 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 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 help.
3. Inspect Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors
Now is a great time to evaluate other critical pieces of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you have a programmable thermostat, check that it’s operating like it should. If the batteries are getting low, change them.
For extra control and convenience, consider getting a smart thermostat. They make conserving energy less complicated. And a few models can even alert you if there’s an issue with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs to be changed.
Despite the fact they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is a good time to test the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Making sure they’re still good gives peace of mind and an extra layer of security.
4. Keep Heat Where it Belongs
One of the smartest ways to enhance energy-efficient cooling is to minimize the concentration of outside heat getting into your residence. Using premium window treatments like blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can stop the sun from affecting indoor temperatures.
Here are several other ways to keep your home cool without lowering the thermostat:
- Use 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.
- Install caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Trust Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Experienced Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our checklist will help your air conditioner operate smoother this summer. But the smartest way you can improve efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some perks of this service include:
- Headache-free cooling.
- Likely reduced cooling costs.
- Likely lengthening your air conditioner’s life span.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid.
Make sure your air conditioning is prepped for this summer! Contact the heating and cooling Experts at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning right away! Call us at 925-364-5427 to request your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.