Summer may seem like it’s a long time off away. But before you blink, you’ll be switching from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is running regularly to maintain cozy temperatures. It’s wise to prep for the additional usage before temperatures get warmer.
R & M Climate Control Service Experts and our team of Experts can assist you. We’ve designed our all-inclusive air conditioning memberships to maximize your system’s energy efficiency and reliability. Our professional expertise goes a long way, but there are a lot of other things you can do to protect your air conditioner. Here are four of the top 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 do this during your annual air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the space around your air conditioner will go a long way too. We recommend:
- Clearing twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner.
- Keeping nearby 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 clogged with dirt or yard refuse, this can decrease performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to work harder 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 want to minimize the possibility of repairs in the first place. A clean air conditioner typically runs more efficiently, is less likely to malfunction and usually lasts longer.
2. Change Your Air Filter
Routinely replacing your air filter is crucial for your air conditioner’s well-being. During a tune-up visit, our professionals inspect filters and install new ones if required. Putting in a new filter is speedy and straightforward. You can (and should) do it on your own whenever!
How frequently you need to install 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 don’t know if your filter needs to be replaced, pull it out, and hold it up to the light. Replace it if you can’t see light through it.
Filters trap dust, pollen and other contaminants from your house’s air, keeping airflow clean. Forgetting about it will affect your home’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
In some instances a blocked filter might even damage your system or cause it to stop working. Often replacing it will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more level.
If someone in your household suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, 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 important pieces of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you have a programmable thermostat, ensure that it’s running like it should. If the batteries are getting low, change them.
For extra control and convenience, think about upgrading to a smart thermostat. They make using less energy easier. And select models can even notify you if there’s a problem 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 inspect the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Confirming they’re still good offers peace of mind and an additional layer of protection.
4. Keep Heat Where it Belongs
One of the best ways to boost energy-efficient cooling is to minimize the amount of exterior heat getting into your home. Using quality window treatments such as blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can block the sun from affecting your home’s temperatures.
Here are a couple other methods to keep your house chilly without lowering the thermostat:
- Use ceiling fans when you’re in the room.
- Run 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.
Depend on R & M Climate Control Service Experts for Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our list will help your air conditioner cool smoother this summer. But the smartest way you can increase efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some benefits of this service include:
- Stress-free cooling.
- Likely cheaper cooling bills.
- Potentially lengthening your air conditioner’s life expectancy.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty intact.
Make sure your air conditioning is prepped for this summer! Call the heating and cooling Experts at R & M Climate Control Service Experts today! Reach us at 865-229-6176 to schedule your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.