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 cooling frequently to maintain comfy temperatures. It’s beneficial to prep for the extra usage before temperatures really start to climb.
Teays Valley Service Experts and our team of Experts can provide support. We’ve designed our detailed air conditioning memberships to increase your system’s energy efficiency and trustworthiness. Our professional knowledge goes a long way, but there are a lot of other things you can do to protect your air conditioner. Here are four of the best ways you can prep for air conditioning season.
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Don’t be concerned, you won’t have to dismantle your system and clean every part. Our Experts do this during your annual air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the space around your air conditioner will go a long way as well. We advise:
- Removing twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner.
- Keeping surrounding grass and plants clipped back.
- Maintaining no less than 1 foot of free space on all sides around your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner’s fins get clogged with dirt or yard refuse, this can decrease performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to work harder to give the same level of cooling. In bad cases, it may stop cooling 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 well-maintained air conditioner usually operates more efficiently, is less likely to need repairs and typically lasts longer.
2. Put in a New Air Filter
Frequently replacing your air filter is crucial for your air conditioner’s wellness. During a tune-up visit, our pros inspect filters and put in new ones if required. Putting in a new filter is quick and straightforward. You can (and should) do it on your own whenever!
How often you need to replace your filter depends on:
- The kind of filter you use.
- If someone in your home 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 unsure if your filter should 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 contaminants from your home’s air, keeping airflow fresh. Forgetting about it will lower your house’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
In some instances a dirty filter might even damage your system or cause it to stop working. Regularly replacing it will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more balanced.
If someone in your household suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues, contact our Experts about how a HEPA filter can relieve symptoms.
3. Test Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors
Now is a great time to test other critical pieces of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure that it’s operating like it should. If the batteries are running low, change them.
For extra control and convenience, think over upgrading to a smart thermostat. They make saving energy easier. And some models can even tell you if there’s trouble with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs replacement.
Although 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 still work offers peace of mind and an additional 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 outdoor heat coming into your residence. Using premium window treatments including blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can stop the sun from influencing indoor temperatures.
Here are a few other ways to keep your residence cold without adjusting the thermostat:
- Turn on ceiling fans when you’re in the room.
- Run your bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity when you shower.
- Keep air vents clean to ensure proper airflow.
- Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Rely on Teays Valley Service Experts for Experienced Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our list will help your air conditioner run more efficiently this summer. But the wisest way you can increase efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some benefits of this service involve:
- Stress-free cooling.
- Likely cheaper cooling costs.
- Likely lengthening your air conditioner’s lifetime.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty intact.
Make sure your air conditioning is ready for this summer! Contact the heating and cooling Experts at Teays Valley Service Experts today! Reach us at 304-760-5088 to schedule your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.