Summer might seem like it’s a long time off away. But before you blink, you’ll be transitioning from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is working around the clock to maintain cool temperatures. It’s wise to prepare for the extra usage before temperatures really start to climb.
Fras-Air/General Service Experts and our team of Experts can provide support. We’ve created our all-inclusive air conditioning memberships to increase your system’s energy efficiency and reliability. Our professional expertise 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 component. Our Experts handle this during your routine air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the surroundings around your air conditioner will go a long way as well. We advise:
- Removing twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner.
- Keeping nearby grass and plants cut 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 impact performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to run more often to give the same level of cooling. In extreme cases, it may stop working altogether and need air conditioning repair.
Your comfort and satisfaction are our priority, so we want to minimize the likelihood of repairs in the first place. A well-maintained air conditioner usually runs more efficiently, is less likely to malfunction and typically lasts longer.
2. Put in a New Air Filter
Regularly replacing your air filter is critical for your air conditioner’s well-being. During a maintenance visit, our technicians check filters and install new ones if required. Putting in a new filter is speedy and straightforward. You can (and should) do it on your own whenever!
How often you need to install a new filter depends on:
- The style of filter you use.
- If someone in your household has asthma, allergies or other respiratory problems.
- If you have pets.
Basic flat filters normally last for 30–60 days. Deeper pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you’re not sure if your filter should be replaced, remove it, and tilt it toward the light. Replace it if you can’t see light through it.
Filters trap dust, pollen and other particles from your home’s air, keeping airflow fresh. Forgetting about it will impact your house’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
In some instances a clogged filter might even damage your system or cause it to malfunction. Regularly changing it will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more consistent.
If someone in your home has allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, contact our Experts about how a HEPA filter can help.
3. Test Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors
Now is a great time to evaluate other critical components of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you use a programmable thermostat, make sure that it’s operating correctly. If the batteries are running out, replace them.
For extra control and convenience, think over getting a smart thermostat. They make saving energy simpler. And select models can even notify you if there’s an issue with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs replacement.
Despite the fact they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is a good time to test the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensuring they still work offers peace of mind and an extra layer of protection.
4. Keep Heat Outside
One of the best ways to increase energy-efficient cooling is to minimize the amount of outside heat coming into your house. Using quality window treatments like blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can stop the sun from affecting interior temperatures.
Here are a couple other approaches to keep your home cold without lowering 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 uncovered to ensure proper airflow.
- Install caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Trust Fras-Air/General Service Experts for Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our checklist will help your air conditioner run more efficiently this summer. But the smartest way you can improve efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some benefits of this service include:
- Headache-free cooling.
- Potentially reduced cooling bills.
- Likely increasing your air conditioner’s lifetime.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty intact.
Make sure your air conditioning is ready for this summer! Contact the heating and cooling Experts at Fras-Air/General Service Experts now! Reach us at 908-448-2154 to request your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.