Summer might seem like it’s a long time off away. But before you blink, you’ll be moving from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is cooling regularly to maintain cool temperatures. It’s smart to prepare for the additional usage before temperatures heat up.
Strand Brothers Service Experts and our team of Experts can help. We’ve designed 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 lots of other tasks you can do to protect your air conditioner. Here are four of the greatest ways you can prep for air conditioning season.
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Don’t fret, you won’t have to take apart your system and clean every part. Our Experts handle this during your yearly air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the area around your air conditioner will go a long way too. We advise:
- Clearing twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner.
- Keeping nearby grass and plants trimmed back.
- Maintaining no less than 1 foot of free area 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 longer to provide the same level of cooling. 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 possibility 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. Put in a New Air Filter
Routinely replacing your air filter is critical for your air conditioner’s wellness. During a tune-up visit, our professionals examine filters and replace them if needed. Installing a new filter is quick and simple. You can (and should) do it on your own when you can!
How often you need to get a new filter depends on:
- The style of filter you use.
- If someone in your house has asthma, allergies or other respiratory problems.
- If you have pets.
Basic flat filters normally last for 30–60 days. More dense pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you don’t know if your filter needs to be replaced, take it out, and tilt it toward the light. Replace it if you can’t see light through it.
Filters remove dust, pollen and other contaminants from your house’s air, keeping airflow clean. Neglecting it will impact your house’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
Sometimes a blocked filter may 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 balanced.
If someone in your home 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 evaluate other essential pieces of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you have a programmable thermostat, ensure that it’s working like it should. If the batteries are running low, replace them.
For more control and convenience, think over installing a smart thermostat. They make saving energy less complicated. And some models can even tell you if there’s an issue with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs to be changed.
Even though they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is a good time to test 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 Where it Belongs
One of the best ways to boost energy-efficient cooling is to decrease the level of outdoor heat seeping into your residence. Using good window treatments such as blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can keep the sun from impacting your home’s temperatures.
Here are a couple other methods to keep your home cold without turning down the thermostat:
- Use 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.
- Add caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Rely on Strand Brothers Service Experts for Experienced Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our checklist will help your air conditioner cool smoother this summer. But the best way you can improve efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some pluses of this service include:
- Worry-free cooling.
- Likely reduced cooling expenses.
- Potentially lengthening your air conditioner’s life expectancy.
- 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 Strand Brothers Service Experts now! Contact us at 512-592-3072 to request your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.