Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Summer with these helpful steps
It is no secret that the hottest months of the year are the most stressful for your air conditioning unit. And while there is no way to make the sun any less hot, there are definitely steps to take to ensure your air conditioner is prepared for those rigorous summer months.
Here are a few helpful steps to take to get your air conditioner ready to do battle with the scorching summer heats, keeping you cool all the while.
1. Keep Your Outdoor Area Clear
One of the most common issues with HVAC units during the summer is a buildup of debris around the unit itself. This means clearing out any branches, plants, or other debris that could be potentially touching or blocking the unit. Also, do not let shrubbery grow too closely
This also means keeping the space free of leaves, a problem during the autumn months. This is one of those preventative maintenance measures that should be implemented year ‘round. It will keep your HVAC unit running optimally all throughout the year.
2. Focus on Your Filter
One of the first things that should always be checked on an HVAC unit is the filter. The type of filter that you have depends on the type of system that you have; typically, it means a disposable filter or one that is a bit more on the permanent side.
For disposable filters, try to replace it on a monthly basis to avoid emergency AC repair. Not only can a buildup of dust and dirt hinder your air conditioning unit, it can lessen the quality of the air in your home. Do yourself a favor by keeping the filter clean.
3. Implement a Programmable Thermostat
Perhaps the biggest concern when it comes to using HVAC systems in the summer is the exponentially higher energy costs involved. And while not running the HVAC system is implausible, there is a way to help mitigate and reduce some of those costs: a programmable thermostat.
This ensures that you keep the temperature appropriate whether you are home or about. With a climate control schedule, you can actually keep your air conditioner from working harder than it needs to, preserving and extending its work life.
4. Utilize Fans
If at all possible, ceiling fans in particular are great at keeping the air flowing throughout your home evenly and efficiently. The key is to make sure that the fan is set to rotate clockwise in the summer. This helps the air flow downward, preventing excess heat from rising to higher levels in your home and making your air conditioner pick up the slack.
This can be similarly achieved using smaller tabletop and floor fans strategically placed throughout your home. Air flow is the name of the game in the summer and can make a huge difference in keeping your home cooler with far less stress on your air conditioner.
Don’t worry of all these issues when Conejo Valley Home Services Conditioning team is with you that is well-known for providing professional Air Conditioning Repair in all of Conejo Valley areas of Southern California and nearby regions including Los Angeles County, Ventura County, and Santa Barbara County.
5. Clear the Drainage Hole
Generally speaking, most air conditioners will come with a drainage hole that is located near the cabinet’s base, under the evaporator fins. For your air conditioner to perform effectively, this hole has to be kept clear.
It might be too small for you to clean manually, but using a small piece of wire or a paper clip can do the jobs in short order. Keep this clean and your air conditioner will thank you for it in the long run by performing more effectively.
6. Dry Out Your Dehumidifier
For those who live in stickier, humid climates, just dealing with the heaviness of the air can be difficult to manage. Using a dehumidifier can go a long way in the battle towards staying cool, but your unit will be working overtime during the summer.
Make sure to keep your dehumidifier empty and vacuum out any excess dirt and debris. This can help keep your home dryer and cooler throughout the summer months, keeping that heavy heat out of your home.
7. Clear Out the Vents
It was touched on briefly but making certain that your air conditioner is free of debris and obstruction is the only way to get true efficiency out of your air conditioning unit. The key is to check for any visible blockages or have a professional come out to perform an inspection on your vents.
Make certain that if you are doing it on your own, you clear out any dust and debris and make sure to clean dryer vents in the rooms you want air conditioned are opened. This helps your AC get even coverage and to run more efficiently.
8. Window Treatments
Another common cause for hyped up energy bills is through inefficient windows. Allowing the cool air to escape (and the hot air in) means that your HVAC system has to work that much harder to keep up with the changes.
Get your windows treated to help reduce the buildup of heat and prevent the cold air from escaping. You will start to notice serious changes on your energy bill before long, providing savings in the long-run.
9. Reduce Heat from Other Appliances
What many homeowners overlook is the heat generated from other appliances like the stove, microwave, television, dryer, etc. If you can avoid it, don’t use those appliances on the hotter days as it can lead to your HVAC system working that much more difficult.
A tip here is to try hanging your clothes out to dry on hot days. Your clothes will be fresh, and you’ll save your home the heat of running them in the dryer. It is a win-win all around.
10. Inspect Several Components & Consider an Update
Perhaps your AC unit has been around a long time and you are just trying to squeeze more life out of it. That’s fine and well, but sooner or later your unit will need replacing. Keep an eye on your condenser coils and refrigerant lines. If they are too dirty or broken to function, you may need to replace them.
Of course, it may be time to get a new HVAC system altogether. While this is a bit costly, it can really save you money down the line with a more efficient AC replacement capable of doing a better overall job of cooling your home.
Undeniable Perks of Professional Air Conditioner Maintenance before Summer Hits
With a pre-season preventive Air Conditioner maintenance, you do not have to worry about single element throughout this summer season. Your local HVAC professional will be able to take a more detailed inspection of your system and identify issues you may have otherwise skipped. Hiring a licensed HVAC technician and professional AC maintenance service offers a number of undeniable perks, including:
- Preventing little issues from becoming big problems and saving money by a costlier repair project or even a unit replacement
- Protecting warranty and keeping the unit valid
- Improving the energy efficiency of AC unit
- Extending Unit lifespan
- Enhancing Air quality
If you are looking for maintenance and repair services for your AC units in your home or looking for commercial AC maintenance services, contact our Conejo Valley Home Services experts today or call us now at (805) 499-0448 who can help you find the best HVAC services according to your needs. We provide services in different areas of California including all of Conejo Valley areas and nearby regions including Los Angeles County, Ventura County, and Santa Barbara County.
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