11 Tips for Maintaining the Air Conditioning System Throughout the Summer

On hot days, a consistent and reliable air conditioning system is a must. Sticking to a simple HVAC maintenance regimen, in addition to scheduled maintenance work will ensure a cozy home during the season. Here are few suggestions for keeping the air conditioner in good working condition this season.

Do early testing before the season

If somehow you switch on your air conditioner on a warm and sunny day only to find that it is completely broken, it would be incredibly uncomfortable to repair it. What if your air conditioner needs parts that your repair technician will have to order in a couple of days? That would be a headache! Avoid this and many more by checking the air conditioner in the spring, and if it turns out to be defective, you can get it repaired before the summer season starts.

To ensure a comfortable, cool indoors throughout the sunny season, meticulous maintenance of your A/C unit is crucial. Let’s delve into some easy-to-follow tips to keep your air conditioning running smoothly.

1) Plan for Regular Maintenance Check with a Professional

Hiring reputable air conditioning services, such as Prostar plumbing and heating, for seasonal cleaning and inspection of your cooling system can be a game-changer. While DIY maintenance can help, professional air conditioning services have the expertise to identify and rectify potential problems before they escalate into major hitches during peak summer.

2) Refresh Your Filters Regularly

The simple act of regularly cleaning or changing your filters can significantly contribute towards the longevity of your A/C unit. Familiarize yourself with the type of filter best suited for your air conditioner and follow the recommended guidelines for its care.

For reusable filters, ensure vacuuming and rinsing between professional maintenance visits, replacing them every few years for optimal air quality. If you prefer disposable filters, write the replacement date on the filter to track its lifespan. Make a habit of checking your filters regularly, perhaps coinciding it with other monthly chores for easy recall.

3) Ensure Clutter-Free Surroundings for Outdoor Units

Your outdoor A/C unit needs room to breathe. Debris, tall grasses, and weeds can hinder airflow, affecting the efficiency of your air conditioning system. Regularly tidy up the area around your outdoor unit to avoid any interference with its functionality.

4) Seal Potential Air Leaks

Just like a slowly leaking tire needs constant refills, a home with air leaks will need your A/C to pump out more cool air to compensate for the escape. Inspect your walls, doors, and windows for any cracks or gaps. Use caulking, weather stripping, or insulation as needed to prevent cool air loss.

5) Allow Your A/C to Rest When You’re Away

There’s an ongoing debate about whether it’s more efficient to maintain a consistent temperature or to let the system rest when the house is empty. It is recommended to maintain a consistent temperature while you’re at home but allow your system to rest when you’re away. Consider a programmable thermostat for automatic temperature adjustments based on your schedule.

6) Make the Most of Your Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can enhance your A/C’s efficiency by allowing you to set your thermostat a degree or two higher. Make sure the fans rotate clockwise to direct cool air downwards, inhibiting warmer air from rising and triggering the A/C.

7) Consider Window Tinting or Films

Window tints or films can help reduce the sun’s heating effects, resulting in a cooler home. If sunlight doesn’t significantly heat your home, you can set your thermostat a bit higher, reducing your A/C’s workload. Explore more about home UV ray protection.

8) Secure Your System with a Home Warranty

Despite diligent maintenance, A/C systems may sometimes fail due to uncontrollable factors. A home warranty offers protection against such sudden failures. By paying a monthly fee, you can budget for potential repair costs that often accompany homeownership.

9) Conducting Inspections regularly

An HVAC technician’s required preventive maintenance is supplemented by regular checks. Punctured ducts, cracks, and electronic faults should all be fixed before they become bigger issues. It also keeps the air conditioner running at peak performance, reducing pressure and extending the longevity of the appliance. Make it a point to check the filters at least once a year and have them checked or filtered (if reusable).

Choose a certified HVAC technician while seeking a specialist for routine maintenance. A North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification ensures that the technician can complete the task correctly the first time.

10) Enough Airflow in The Room

Airflow is necessary for effective cooling. Flooring, windows or wall treatments, and decor can all be moved out of the way of the vents. Blocked vents make it difficult for an air conditioner to achieve the desired room temperature and reduce the overall effectiveness. A ceiling or separate fan will increase ventilation much more, needing less air conditioner efficiency. It not only cools your house faster, but it also consumes less electricity.

11) The compressor On the Outside Should Be Cleaned

Keeping the compressor and condenser coils clean is among the most essential central air quality tips. When you spend in technical care, you won’t have to access the system and this is part of a tune-up. However, the coils can get dusty, making it difficult for them to absorb heat effectively. With us, clean the evaporator and condenser coils, but be vigilant not to make any electrical contacts wet. When washing coils, pay special attention to the fins, which are fragile and prone to bending.

If you find any twisted fins, use a fin comb to flatten them out. Furthermore, clear any leaves, plants, or old trees that have accumulated near your air conditioner during the summer, and stop mowing within two feet of the unit. Items cannot be located near the external compressor since something that obstructs ventilation reduces device efficiency.

Get All Air Conditioning Service by Us

Prostar Plumbing and Heating has a wide selection of HVAC services, including repairs, maintenance, and installations. Give us a call or email us to learn more about how our professionals can help you with any air conditioning problem!