Summer may feel like it’s still a few months away. But before you blink, you’ll be moving from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is cooling regularly to maintain comfortable temperatures. It’s smart to prepare for the more usage before temperatures heat up.
A-PLUS Service Experts and our team of Experts can provide support. We’ve created our all-inclusive air conditioning memberships to boost your system’s energy efficiency and trustworthiness. Our professional experience goes a long way, but there are many other steps you can take to protect your air conditioner. Here are four of the greatest ways you can get ready for air conditioning season.
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Don’t worry, you won’t have to take apart 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 advise:
- Clearing twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner.
- Keeping neighboring grass and plants trimmed back.
- Maintaining no less than 1 foot of open area on all sides around your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner’s fins get full of dirt or yard refuse, this can affect performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to work harder to provide the same level of comfort. In severe cases, it may stop cooling altogether and need air conditioning repair.
Your comfort and satisfaction are important to us, so we like to minimize the possibility of repairs in the first place. A clean air conditioner usually operates more efficiently, is less likely to malfunction and usually lasts longer.
2. Replace Your Air Filter
Frequently replacing your air filter is critical for your air conditioner’s well-being. During a tune-up visit, our techs examine filters and replace them if required. Putting in a new filter is speedy 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 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, remove it, and angle it toward the light. Replace it 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 decrease your house’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
In some situations a dirty filter could even damage your system or cause it to break down. Regularly replacing it will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more consistent.
If someone in your home suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems, ask our Experts about how a HEPA filter can relieve symptoms.
3. Check 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, check that it’s running like it should. If the batteries are running out, change them.
For more control and convenience, consider installing a smart thermostat. They make using less energy easier. And select models can even tell you if there’s a problem 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 a great time to inspect the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Confirming they still have juice delivers peace of mind and an extra layer of protection.
4. Keep Heat Outdoors
One of the smartest ways to increase energy-efficient cooling is to minimize the concentration of outdoor heat getting into your house. Using quality window treatments including blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can stop the sun from affecting interior temperatures.
Here are several other methods to keep your residence cold without turning down the thermostat:
- Use ceiling fans when you’re in the room.
- Use your bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity when you shower.
- Keep air vents clean to ensure adequate airflow.
- Install caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Rely on A-PLUS Service Experts for Experienced Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our list will help your air conditioner cool smoother this summer. But the best way you can boost efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some pluses of this service entail:
- Worry-free cooling.
- Potentially lower cooling costs.
- Potentially lengthening your air conditioner’s lifetime.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid.
Make sure your air conditioning is prepped for this summer! Get in touch with the heating and cooling Experts at A-PLUS Service Experts now! Call us at 301-747-3140 to schedule your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.