Summer may feel like it’s still a few months away. But before you know it, you’ll be switching from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is cooling frequently to maintain cozy temperatures. It’s wise to prep for the more usage before temperatures really start to climb.
Chief/Bauer Service Experts and our team of Experts can help. We’ve made our detailed air conditioning memberships to boost your system’s energy efficiency and dependability. Our professional experience goes a long way, but there are a lot of other steps you can take to protect your air conditioner. Here are four of the best ways you can prepare for air conditioning season.
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Don’t worry, you won’t have to take apart your system and clean every component. Our Experts do this during your routine air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the area around your air conditioner will go a long way as well. We advise:
- Getting rid of twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner.
- Keeping neighboring grass and plants trimmed back.
- Maintaining at least 1 foot of open space on all sides around your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner’s fins get clogged with dirt or yard refuse, this can affect performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to work harder to give the same level of cool air. In severe cases, it may stop running altogether and need air conditioning repair.
Your comfort and satisfaction are our priority, so we want to minimize the need for repairs in the first place. A clean air conditioner usually cools more efficiently, is less likely to break down and usually lasts longer.
2. Replace Your Air Filter
Regularly replacing your air filter is important for your air conditioner’s health. During a service visit, our pros examine filters and put in new ones if necessary. Installing a new filter is speedy and simple. You can (and should) do it on your own when possible!
How frequently you need to get a new filter depends on:
- The kind of filter you use.
- If someone in your household has asthma, allergies or other respiratory problems.
- If you have pets.
Basic flat filters typically last for 30–60 days. More dense pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you’re unsure if your filter requires replacement, take it out, and hold it up to the light. Get a new one if you can’t see light through it.
Filters trap dust, pollen and other particles from your home’s air, keeping airflow fresh. Neglecting it will affect your residence’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
Sometimes a blocked filter could even damage your system or cause it to break down. Frequently changing it will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more consistent.
If someone in your home is dealing with allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems, ask our Experts about how a HEPA filter can lessen symptoms.
3. Test Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors
Now is a good time to examine other critical parts of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you use a programmable thermostat, check that it’s operating right. If the batteries are running low, get new ones.
For added control and convenience, consider installing a smart thermostat. They make saving energy easier. And select models can even tell you if there’s a situation with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs to be changed.
Although they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is a great time to test the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensuring they’re still good gives peace of mind and an additional layer of security.
4. Keep Heat Where it Belongs
One of the wisest ways to increase energy-efficient cooling is to reduce the concentration of outside heat coming into your home. Using good window treatments including blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can block the sun from influencing interior temperatures.
Here are several other methods to keep your house chilly without adjusting the thermostat:
- Use ceiling fans when you’re in the room.
- Use your bathroom fan to get rid of heat and humidity when you shower.
- Keep air vents clean to ensure adequate airflow.
- Add caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Trust Chief/Bauer Service Experts for Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our guide will help your air conditioner operate smoother this summer. But the best way you can boost efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some pluses of this service include:
- Stress-free cooling.
- Possibly lower cooling expenses.
- Possibly increasing your air conditioner’s life span.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty intact.
Make sure your air conditioning is ready for this summer! Contact the heating and cooling Experts at Chief/Bauer Service Experts now! Reach us at 217-689-2469 to request your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.