As we get closer to summer and the weather begins to heat up, you should consider preparing your Air Conditioner to keep your home comfortable this season. While a professional technician should perform some maintenance steps, there are basic tasks you can do to help your AC unit. The following are ways to ensure your AC can handle the hot summer temperatures ahead.
Replace the Filters
One of the easiest methods of keeping your air conditioner in top shape is to replace dirty and clogged filters usually found behind a small grate inside the home. These filters capture dirt and debris so that they don’t circulate in the house. When the filters get dirty, the air conditioner has to work harder to pull air through and puts undue stress on the unit.
Clean the Vents
Dust and other allergens can build up around the vents throughout the home during winter. One way to help your AC unit perform its best is to remove the vent grates and clean around the opening, removing dirt, pet hair, and anything else you wouldn’t want to be circulating throughout your home.
Evaluate Your Thermostat
Sometimes, the thermostat can lose proper communication to the air conditioning unit, which can cause problems like fluctuating temperatures inside the home. Perform some tests and pay close attention to how well your system can maintain a specific temperature. If your thermostat can’t maintain settings, it may need to be updated or replaced.
Consider Window Treatments
One way to help keep your home cool in the summer heat is to use window treatments to prevent direct sunlight from warming things up. This tip will help prevent your AC from overworking during sweltering days.
Circulate Air with Fans
Another way to help your AC is to place fans throughout the home to help move the cool air around to different rooms. Moving air helps the areas in your house from feeling too uncomfortable during summer.
Cook Outside Instead
Nothing heats the inside of a home-like cooking a big meal in the oven. Fortunately, if you have a BBQ grill, you can prepare a big meal outside without forcing your AC to work hard to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
Inspect the Coolant Pipes
Outside you should have a large metal housing called a condenser that has piping running from the unit into the house. These pipes are covered with insulation to prevent energy loss, but the insulation material can sometimes be damaged or missing. To help your system perform its best, replace the missing or torn insulation and fully insulate the condenser pipes.
Remove Debris From the Condenser Top
Another tip for maintaining your outside condenser is to remove any branches, leaves, or pine needles from the top. There is a large fan beneath the top grate, and you’ll want to ensure nothing blocks the unit from operating correctly.
Remove Material Inside the Condenser
If leaves or other outdoor debris has made it past the fan, it will likely be stuck to the inside of the unit and block airflow. Ensure the unit is powered off and carefully remove the outer shell of the condenser to scoop up the material stuck inside.
Schedule a Maintenance Visit
One of the best ways to ensure your system is ready for summer is to call a professional HVAC technician and have them do a system maintenance check. At Tulsa Air Conditioning Service, we offer maintenance service and HVAC tune-ups to prepare for the season ahead. Call us today and schedule an appointment.
