4 Hints to Prepare for Air Conditioning Season

Summer may feel like it’s a long time off away. But before you realize, you’ll be switching from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is running regularly to maintain cool temperatures. It’s wise to prep for the extra usage before temperatures heat up. 

Roland J. Down Service Experts and our team of Experts can provide support. 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 many other steps you can take to protect your air conditioner. Here are four of the top ways you can prep for air conditioning season. 

1. Clean Your Air Conditioner

Don’t fret, you won’t have to dismantle your system and clean every component. 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 free 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 work harder to deliver the same level of cool air. In bad cases, it may stop running 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 usually lasts longer. 

2. Change Your Air Filter

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

How frequently you need to replace your 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 usually last for 30–60 days. Thicker pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you don’t know if your filter should be replaced, pull it out, and hold it up to the light. Get a new one if you can’t see light through it. 

Filters catch dust, pollen and other pollutants from your house’s air, keeping airflow fresh. Disregarding it will impact 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 malfunction. Regularly replacing it will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more balanced. 

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

3. Check Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors

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

If you use a programmable thermostat, make sure that it’s running correctly. If the batteries are running low, get new ones. 

For added control and convenience, think about getting a smart thermostat. They make using less energy simpler. And some models can even tell 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 a good time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Confirming they still have juice gives peace of mind and an added layer of protection. 

4. Keep Heat Outdoors

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

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

• Turn on ceiling fans when you’re in the room. 
• Use your bathroom fan to eliminate heat and humidity when you shower. 

• Keep air vents clean to ensure ample airflow. 
• Install caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows. 

Rely on Roland J. Down Service Experts for Skilled Air Conditioning Maintenance

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

• Stress-free cooling. 

• Potentially cheaper cooling costs. 
• Potentially lengthening your air conditioner’s life span. 
• Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty ongoing. 

Make sure your air conditioning is ready for this summer! Call the heating and cooling Experts at Roland J. Down Service Experts now! Call us at 518-417-2938 to book your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.