Prepare Your Air Conditioner for the Cooling Season

The weather is heating up, and that means it’s time to ensure your air conditioner is working at its peak level. The fact is that air conditioner prep is kind of like getting an oil change before a long car trip: it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you wait too long, you risk having your HVAC system break down during the hottest part of the summer.

It should come as no surprise that summertime is when technicians are at their busiest, so you may have to wait for service. Let’s take a look at our leading air conditioner prep tips for summer.

Give it a run ahead of time

One simple thing to do is run your air conditioner before it gets too hot outside. Check every vent in the house to ensure cold air is coming out of each of them. You also want to run through each mode the air conditioner uses.

Cool mode is the default mode for lowering your home’s temperature. It’s best used when the outside temperatures are soaring. Dry mode is best used to remove humidity—it gets rid of the moisture in the air even when the weather isn’t so hot. Fan mode circulates air throughout the home and can be used when it’s not uncomfortably hot outside.

Replace the HVAC filter

An easy way to improve your air conditioner’s performance is to make sure to regularly replace the air filter. Depending on your HVAC system, you may need to change this as often as once a month.

A dirty or dysfunctional air filter will cause problems for your AC system. Dirt and debris caught in the filter will prevent the system from functioning at its most efficient, meaning it’ll need to expend additional energy to reach the same level of coolness. Not only will this increase your energy bills, but it will also circulate dirty air throughout your home.

Inspect all parts of the system

Take a look first at the outdoor HVAC unit. Check that there isn’t any debris, leaves or sticks surrounding it. Any obstructions can prevent the unit from functioning at a high level.

Then you’ll want to check the ducts for signs of damage, clogging, mold and mildew. It’s also important to regularly inspect the vents. You’ll want to clear any furniture or other items out of the way when you do so.

Of course, you could always call in the HVAC pros to handle your summer air conditioner prep. They’ll know exactly what to do to keep your system running smoothly all season long.

We hope this guide to AC prep for summer keeps you and your family cool. J & B Air Conditioning, Heating, & Gutters has provided punctual and efficient HVAC services to area clients since 1980. We’re proud to be a family owned and operated business, and we treat you like you’re one of our own. We believe your needs should always be prioritized, which is why we offer emergency services. Call us today to arrange a free estimate!

Read More