Summer might seem like it’s in the far future away. But before you blink, you’ll be moving from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is running frequently to maintain comfortable temperatures. It’s beneficial to prep for the extra usage before temperatures get warmer.
Roland J. Down Service Experts and our team of Experts can help. We’ve created our comprehensive air conditioning memberships to boost your system’s energy efficiency and dependability. 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 greatest ways you can prepare for air conditioning season.
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Don’t worry, you won’t have to disassemble your system and clean every component. Our Experts take care of this during your routine air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the space 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 at minimum 1 foot of free room on all sides around your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner’s fins get clogged with dirt or yard refuse, this can influence performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to run more often to deliver the same level of cooling. In extreme cases, it may stop working altogether and need air conditioning repair.
Your comfort and satisfaction matter to us, so we like to minimize the possibility of repairs in the first place. A regularly serviced air conditioner typically operates more efficiently, is less likely to need repairs and usually lasts longer.
2. Put in a New Air Filter
Routinely replacing your air filter is important for your air conditioner’s wellness. During a maintenance visit, our specialists check filters and replace them if necessary. Replacing the filter is speedy and simple. You can (and should) do it on your own when possible!
How frequently you need to install a new filter depends on:
- The type of filter you use.
- If someone in your household 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 requires replacement, pull it out, and hold it up to the light. Put in a new one if you can’t see light through it.
Filters catch dust, pollen and other contaminants from your home’s air, keeping airflow healthy. Disregarding it will impact your house’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
In some situations a dirty filter can even damage your system or cause it to break down. Frequently replacing it will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more level.
If someone in your household is dealing with allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems, check with our Experts about how a HEPA filter can help.
3. Inspect Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors
Now is the perfect time to evaluate other important parts of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you use a programmable thermostat, ensure that it’s operating right. If the batteries are running out, replace them.
For additional control and convenience, think over installing a smart thermostat. They make using less energy easier. And select models can even notify you if there’s trouble 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 test the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Making sure they’re still good offers peace of mind and an additional layer of security.
4. Keep Heat Where it Belongs
One of the wisest ways to boost energy-efficient cooling is to minimize the amount of outside heat getting into your residence. Using good window treatments like blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can block the sun from affecting your home’s temperatures.
Here are a couple other approaches to keep your house chilly without turning down the thermostat:
- Turn on ceiling fans when you’re in the room.
- Turn on your bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity when you shower.
- Keep air vents uncovered to ensure proper airflow.
- Install caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Depend on Roland J. Down Service Experts for Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our guide will help your air conditioner operate better this summer. But the best way you can improve efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some pluses of this service entail:
- Headache-free cooling.
- Possibly reduced cooling bills.
- Likely extending your air conditioner’s lifetime.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty intact.
Make sure your air conditioning is prepared for this summer! Call the heating and cooling Experts at Roland J. Down Service Experts now! Call us at 518-417-2938 to schedule your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.