Ah, summer has finally arrived. With the appearance of summer come the hot temperatures. At this time of year, many homeowners are glad that they own a cooling system.
Get your AC ready for the summer heat with these preparation and maintenance tips that are sure to ease your worries and keep you cool and comfortable all summer long.
Get an HVAC Expert to Perform an AC Inspection
Winter is tough on your air conditioner. During those months, your AC unit is unprotected from harsh temperatures and.
Every spring, take the time to schedule your annual air conditioning inspection.
When you hire the help of a HVAC technician, you can find small and otherwise unnoticeable issues like electrical issues, faulty wires, dirty filters, leaks, or dripping liquids.
Usually, an inspection will simply help to identify these small fixes, and some years all that your AC system will require is a thorough clean.
Professional HVAC technicians work to clean the air conditioning unit piece-by-piece, improving its efficiency and reducing the change of a major malfunction.
Get an Efficient AC System and Set Your Thermostat
Filter changes are important for maintaining an efficient AC system. Check regularly for a buildup of dust and debris, and more often if you live in a house with one of the following:
- An allergen sufferer
- Pets
- A smoker
Monthly, give your AC system a good cleaning. Turn off the power to the AC system, and clean the area surrounding the outside portion of your AC unit.
Double-check that the power is turned off, and remove the cover from the unit to clean the inside of it of debris and dirt as well.
Ideally, your home’s interior should be around 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Looking for increased efficiency and perhaps some money saving?
For every degree above 78 that your temperature is set to on your thermostat, you can save 10% off your energy bill.
When you combine this efficient technique with ceiling fans, you can circulate cooled air throughout your home and save money while you’re at it.
Homeowners can also choose to invest in a programmable thermostat, allowing them to program when, and what temperature, they want their AC to function at.
Should You Replace Your Air Conditioner?
If your AC unit is 10 years of age or older, you may want to start considering replacing it with a modern, more efficient unit.
Although there is an initial investment to purchasing a new air conditioning unit, you’ll be saving a lot of money on your energy bills each month.
There are some symptoms that demonstrate a need for a proper inspection, repair, or possible replacement of your AC system, such as:
- A noisy air conditioning unit
- High humidity within your home
- A spike in your energy bill
- An uneven spread of temperatures in the home
When you notice one or more of these symptoms, immediately call your HVAC professional. If these symptoms are not treated, the problem can grow, and further damage the AC unit.