4 Tips to Get Ready for Air Conditioning Season

Summer might seem like it’s a long time off away. But before you know it, you’ll be moving from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is cooling regularly to maintain cool temperatures. It’s smart to be ready for the extra usage before temperatures really start to climb. 

A-Plus and our team of Experts can assist you. We’ve designed our all-inclusive air conditioning memberships to boost 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 best 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 piece. Our Experts handle this during your yearly air conditioning maintenance appointment. 

But cleaning the space 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 surrounding grass and plants cut back. 
• Maintaining at minimum 1 foot of open room 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 run longer to deliver the same level of cooling. In extreme cases, it may stop cooling altogether and need air conditioning repair. 

Your comfort and satisfaction are our priority, so we like to minimize the likelihood of repairs in the first place. A well-maintained air conditioner usually operates more efficiently, is less likely to malfunction and typically lasts longer. 

2. Replace Your Air Filter

Regularly replacing your air filter is critical for your air conditioner’s well-being. During a maintenance visit, our techs inspect filters and put in new ones if necessary. Putting in a new filter is quick and simple. You can (and should) do it on your own whenever! 

How frequently you need to install a new filter depends on: 

• The kind of filter you use. 
• If someone in your house 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 don’t know if your filter should be replaced, pull it out, and angle it toward the light. Put in a new one if you can’t see light through it. 

Filters trap dust, pollen and other pollutants from your home’s air, keeping airflow healthy. Forgetting about it will impact your home’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 stop working. Frequently putting in a new one will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more level. 

If someone in your home has allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems, check with our Experts about how a HEPA filter can relieve symptoms. 

3. Inspect Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors

Now is a good time to check other important components of your air conditioner and other safety systems. 

If you rely on a programmable thermostat, ensure that it’s operating right. If the batteries are running out, change them. 

For added control and convenience, think over installing a smart thermostat. They make conserving energy simpler. And select models can even notify you if there’s an issue with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs replacing. 

Although they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is an excellent time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Confirming they’re still good gives peace of mind and an additional layer of safety. 

4. Keep Heat Outside

One of the smartest ways to boost energy-efficient cooling is to reduce the concentration of outside heat seeping into your house. Using good window treatments like blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can stop the sun from impacting your home’s temperatures. 

Here are several other methods to keep your house cold without lowering the thermostat: 

• Turn on ceiling fans when you’re in the room. 
• Run your bathroom fan to get rid of 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 for Experienced Air Conditioning Maintenance

Our checklist will help your air conditioner operate better this summer. But the smartest way you can increase efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some perks of this service involve: 

• Stress-free cooling. 

• Likely lower cooling costs. 
• Likely lengthening your air conditioner’s lifetime. 
• Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty ongoing. 

Make sure your air conditioning is ready for this summer! Get in touch with the heating and cooling Experts at A-Plus now! Reach us at 301-747-3140 to book your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.