Summer may feel like it’s a long time off away. But before you realize, you’ll be switching from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is cooling regularly to maintain cool temperatures. It’s wise to prepare for the additional usage before temperatures get warmer.
Coastal Service Experts and our team of Experts can help. We’ve designed our comprehensive air conditioning memberships to boost your system’s energy efficiency and reliability. Our professional knowledge 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 best ways you can get ready for air conditioning season.
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Don’t fret, you won’t have to disassemble your system and clean every piece. Our Experts take care of this during your annual air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the area around your air conditioner will go a long way too. We advise:
- Getting rid of twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner.
- Keeping nearby grass and plants trimmed back.
- Maintaining at minimum 1 foot of open area on all sides around your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner’s fins get blocked by dirt or yard refuse, this can affect performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to run more often to deliver the same level of cool air. In severe cases, it could stop cooling altogether and need air conditioning repair.
Your comfort and satisfaction are important to us, so we like to minimize the need for repairs in the first place. A well-maintained air conditioner typically cools more efficiently, is less likely to malfunction and usually lasts longer.
2. Change Your Air Filter
Regularly replacing your air filter is important for your air conditioner’s wellness. During a maintenance visit, our techs inspect filters and install new ones if needed. Putting in a new filter is quick and simple. You can (and should) do it on your own when possible!
How regularly you need to get a new filter depends on:
- The style of filter you use.
- If someone in your home has asthma, allergies or other respiratory issues.
- If you have pets.
Basic flat filters usually last for 30–60 days. More dense pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you’re not sure if your filter needs to be replaced, pull it out, and angle it toward the light. Replace it if you can’t see light through it.
Filters remove dust, pollen and other pollutants from your home’s air, keeping airflow fresh. Forgetting about it will lower your residence’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
In some situations a blocked filter could even damage your system or cause it to break down. Frequently replacing it will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more level.
If someone in your household has allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, contact our Experts about how a HEPA filter can lessen symptoms.
3. Inspect Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors
Now is a great time to check other critical pieces of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure that it’s operating correctly. If the batteries are running low, change them.
For additional control and convenience, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. They make saving energy simpler. And a few models can even tell you if there’s trouble with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs replacing.
Although they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is a great time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Confirming they’re still good gives peace of mind and an extra layer of protection.
4. Keep Heat Outdoors
One of the smartest ways to enhance energy-efficient cooling is to minimize the level of exterior heat coming into your residence. Using quality window treatments like blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can block the sun from influencing interior temperatures.
Here are a few other approaches to keep your home chilly without turning down the thermostat:
- Run ceiling fans when you’re in the room.
- Turn on your bathroom fan to get rid of heat and humidity when you shower.
- Keep air vents clean to ensure ample airflow.
- Add caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Trust Coastal Service Experts for Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our list will help your air conditioner run smoother this summer. But the best way you can boost efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some pluses of this service include:
- Headache-free cooling.
- Likely lower cooling costs.
- Possibly lengthening your air conditioner’s lifetime.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty intact.
Make sure your air conditioning is prepared for this summer! Call the heating and cooling Experts at Coastal Service Experts today! Reach us at 912-208-2399 to schedule your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.