4 Tips to Prepare for Air Conditioning Season

Summer may seem like it’s a long time off away. But before you realize, you’ll be moving from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is running regularly to maintain cool temperatures. It’s beneficial to be ready for the extra usage before temperatures heat up. 

Fras-Air/General Service Experts and our team of Experts can assist you. We’ve designed our all-inclusive air conditioning memberships to boost your system’s energy efficiency and trustworthiness. Our professional skill 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 fret, you won’t have to take apart your system and clean every component. Our Experts take care of this during your yearly air conditioning maintenance appointment. 

But cleaning the space around your air conditioner will go a long way as well. We suggest: 

• Getting rid of twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner. 
• Keeping surrounding grass and plants clipped back. 
• Maintaining at minimum 1 foot of open room 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 run more often 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 like to minimize the likelihood of repairs in the first place. A well-maintained air conditioner usually operates more efficiently, is less likely to malfunction and often lasts longer. 

2. Replace Your Air Filter

Regularly replacing your air filter is critical for your air conditioner’s well-being. During a maintenance visit, our professionals check filters and put in new ones if necessary. Putting in a new filter is quick and easy. You can (and should) do it on your own whenever! 

How frequently you need to get a new filter depends on: 

• The kind of filter you use. 
• If someone in your house 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 don’t know if your filter should be replaced, take it out, and hold it up to the light. Get a new one if you can’t see light through it. 

Filters catch dust, pollen and other pollutants from your house’s air, keeping airflow healthy. Neglecting it will impact your house’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency. 

In some situations a dirty filter could 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 has allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems, check with our Experts about how a HEPA filter can help. 

3. Inspect Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors

Now is a good time to check other important components of your air conditioner and other safety systems. 

If you rely on a programmable thermostat, ensure that it’s operating right. If the batteries are running out, change them. 

For added control and convenience, think over getting a smart thermostat. They make using less energy simpler. And a few models can even alert you if there’s an issue with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs replacing. 

Although they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is a good time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Confirming they’re still good gives peace of mind and an added layer of safety. 

4. Keep Heat Outdoors

One of the best ways to boost energy-efficient cooling is to reduce the level of outside heat getting into your house. Using good window treatments like blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can stop the sun from affecting interior temperatures. 

Here are a couple other methods to keep your house cold without lowering the thermostat: 

• Turn on ceiling fans when you’re in the room. 
• Use your bathroom fan to eliminate heat and humidity when you shower. 

• Keep air vents clean to ensure ample airflow. 
• Install caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows. 

Rely on Fras-Air/General Service Experts for Skilled Air Conditioning Maintenance

Our list will help your air conditioner operate better this summer. But the best way you can increase efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some perks of this service entail: 

• Stress-free cooling. 

• Potentially cheaper cooling costs. 
• Possibly extending your air conditioner’s lifetime. 
• Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty intact. 

Make sure your air conditioning is ready for this summer! Call the heating and cooling Experts at Fras-Air/General Service Experts now! Contact us at 908-448-2154 to book your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.