Summer may feel like it’s still a few months away. But before you know it, you’ll be transitioning from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is working regularly to maintain cool temperatures. It’s beneficial to be ready for the increased usage before temperatures get warmer.
Sunbeam Service Experts and our team of Experts can provide support. We’ve created our all-inclusive air conditioning memberships to boost your system’s energy efficiency and reliability. Our professional expertise goes a long way, but there are a lot of other tasks you can do to protect your air conditioner. Here are four of the greatest ways you can get ready for air conditioning season.
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Don’t worry, you won’t have to disassemble your system and clean every piece. Our Experts do this during your annual air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the area around your air conditioner will go a long way also. We recommend:
- Clearing twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner.
- Keeping neighboring grass and plants cut back.
- Maintaining at minimum 1 foot of free space on all sides around your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner’s fins get clogged with dirt or yard refuse, this can impact performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to run more often to deliver the same level of cooling. In severe cases, it might stop working altogether and need air conditioning repair.
Your comfort and satisfaction are important to us, so we prefer minimizing the possibility of repairs in the first place. A clean air conditioner usually runs more efficiently, is less likely to need repairs and typically lasts longer.
2. Replace Your Air Filter
Frequently replacing your air filter is crucial for your air conditioner’s wellness. During a maintenance visit, our technicians examine filters and install new ones if necessary. Putting in a new filter is fast and straightforward. You can (and should) do it on your own when possible!
How regularly you need to replace your filter depends on:
- The kind of filter you use.
- If someone in your house has asthma, allergies or other respiratory concerns.
- 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’re not sure if your filter requires replacement, pull it out, and angle it toward the light. Replace it if you can’t see light through it.
Filters trap dust, pollen and other particles from your house’s air, keeping airflow fresh. Disregarding it will decrease your home’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
In some situations a clogged filter might even damage your system or cause it to break down. Often putting in a new one will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more level.
If someone in your household is dealing with allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues, contact our Experts about how a HEPA filter can help.
3. Inspect Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors
Now is a good time to evaluate other crucial components of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you rely on a programmable thermostat, make sure that it’s working correctly. If the batteries are running low, change them.
For additional control and convenience, think over getting a smart thermostat. They make saving energy less complicated. And some models can even notify 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 an excellent time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Making sure they still have juice offers peace of mind and an extra layer of protection.
4. Keep Heat Where it Belongs
One of the smartest ways to enhance energy-efficient cooling is to reduce the concentration of outdoor heat getting into your house. Using quality window treatments such as blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can block the sun from affecting your home’s temperatures.
Here are several other approaches to keep your residence chilly without adjusting the thermostat:
- Use ceiling fans when you’re in the room.
- Run your bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity when you shower.
- Keep air vents uncovered to ensure proper airflow.
- Add caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Trust Sunbeam Service Experts for Skilled Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our guide will help your air conditioner operate smoother this summer. But the best way you can boost efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some pluses of this service entail:
- Stress-free cooling.
- Possibly cheaper cooling costs.
- Likely extending your air conditioner’s life span.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty ongoing.
Make sure your air conditioning is ready for this summer! Contact the heating and cooling Experts at Sunbeam Service Experts today! Reach us at 716-427-6807 to book your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.