Summer may seem like it’s still a few months away. But before you know it, you’ll be transitioning from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is working around the clock to maintain comfortable temperatures. It’s wise to prepare for the additional usage before temperatures heat up.
Neal Harris Service Experts and our team of Experts can help. We’ve created our detailed air conditioning memberships to maximize 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 prep for air conditioning season.
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Don’t be concerned, you won’t have to dismantle your system and clean every piece. Our Experts do this during your routine air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the space around your air conditioner will go a long way too. We advise:
- Removing twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner.
- Keeping neighboring grass and plants clipped back.
- Maintaining at least 1 foot of clear area on all sides around your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner’s fins get blocked by dirt or yard refuse, this can decrease performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to run longer to deliver the same level of comfort. In extreme cases, it might stop working altogether and need air conditioning repair.
Your comfort and satisfaction are important to us, so we like to minimize the possibility of repairs in the first place. A clean air conditioner generally cools more efficiently, is less likely to need repairs and often lasts longer.
2. Change Your Air Filter
Routinely replacing your air filter is crucial for your air conditioner’s health. During a tune-up visit, our techs inspect filters and install new ones if needed. Putting in a new filter is quick and easy. You can (and should) do it on your own whenever!
How frequently you need to replace your filter depends on:
- The style of filter you use.
- If someone in your household has asthma, allergies or other respiratory issues.
- If you have pets.
Basic flat filters normally last for 30–60 days. Deeper pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you don’t know if your filter needs to be replaced, take it out, and tilt it toward the light. Replace it if you can’t see light through it.
Filters catch dust, pollen and other pollutants from your house’s air, keeping airflow healthy. Forgetting about it will decrease your house’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
In some instances a clogged filter can even damage your system or cause it to malfunction. Frequently putting in a new one will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more balanced.
If someone in your household is dealing with allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems, ask our Experts about how a HEPA filter can relieve symptoms.
3. Check Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors
Now is the perfect time to check other essential pieces of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you use a programmable thermostat, ensure that it’s running like it should. If the batteries are running low, replace them.
For added control and convenience, think over installing a smart thermostat. They make saving energy much more convenient. 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.
Despite the fact they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is an excellent time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensuring they’re still good offers peace of mind and an additional layer of safety.
4. Keep Heat Outdoors
One of the best ways to increase energy-efficient cooling is to decrease the level of outdoor heat coming into your residence. Using quality window treatments including blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can block the sun from influencing interior temperatures.
Here are a couple other ways to keep your home cold without lowering the thermostat:
- Turn on ceiling fans when you’re in the room.
- Use your bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity when you shower.
- Keep air vents clean to ensure ample airflow.
- Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Depend on Neal Harris Service Experts for Experienced Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our guide will help your air conditioner cool more efficiently this summer. But the wisest way you can increase efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some benefits of this service include:
- Stress-free cooling.
- Possibly reduced cooling costs.
- Likely extending your air conditioner’s life span.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid.
Make sure your air conditioning is prepared for this summer! Call the heating and cooling Experts at Neal Harris Service Experts now! Call us at 816-787-0500 to book your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.