Summer may seem like it’s still a few months away. But before you realize, you’ll be switching from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is running regularly to maintain cool temperatures. It’s beneficial to prepare for the more usage before temperatures really start to climb.
Orangutan Home Services and our team of Experts can help. We’ve created our detailed air conditioning memberships to maximize your system’s energy efficiency and trustworthiness. Our professional experience goes a long way, but there are many other tasks you can do to protect your air conditioner. Here are four of the best ways you can prep for air conditioning season.
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Don’t fret, you won’t have to disassemble your system and clean every component. Our Experts do this during your yearly air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the surroundings around your air conditioner will go a long way too. We advise:
- Removing 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 area on all sides around your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner’s fins get blocked by dirt or yard refuse, this can impact performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to run more often to give the same level of comfort. 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 need for repairs in the first place. A regularly serviced air conditioner usually operates more efficiently, is less likely to malfunction and typically lasts longer.
2. Replace Your Air Filter
Routinely replacing your air filter is critical for your air conditioner’s well-being. During a maintenance visit, our techs check filters and install new ones if necessary. Replacing the filter is fast and straightforward. You can (and should) do it on your own whenever!
How frequently you need to replace your filter depends on:
- The kind of filter you use.
- If someone in your household has asthma, allergies or other respiratory issues.
- If you have pets.
Basic flat filters typically last for 30–60 days. Thicker pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you’re unsure if your filter needs to be replaced, pull it out, and angle it toward the light. Put in a new one if you can’t see light through it.
Filters trap dust, pollen and other pollutants from your house’s air, keeping airflow clean. Forgetting about it will affect your house’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
In some instances a blocked filter might even damage your system or cause it to malfunction. Regularly changing it will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more balanced.
If someone in your family is dealing with allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues, contact our Experts about how a HEPA filter can help.
3. Test Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors
Now is a great time to check other crucial parts of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you use a programmable thermostat, ensure that it’s operating right. If the batteries are running low, get new ones.
For extra control and convenience, think over getting a smart thermostat. They make using less energy less complicated. And some models can even notify you if there’s a problem with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs replacement.
Even though they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is a great time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensuring they still work gives peace of mind and an extra layer of protection.
4. Keep Heat Outside
One of the wisest ways to boost energy-efficient cooling is to reduce the concentration of outside heat coming into your home. Using quality window treatments including blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can stop the sun from impacting indoor temperatures.
Here are a couple other methods to keep your house cool without lowering the thermostat:
- Turn on 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 Orangutan Home Services for Experienced Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our guide will help your air conditioner cool smoother this summer. But the smartest way you can increase efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some benefits of this service involve:
- Stress-free cooling.
- Likely reduced cooling expenses.
- Potentially increasing your air conditioner’s life expectancy.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty ongoing.
Make sure your air conditioning is ready for this summer! Get in touch with the heating and cooling Experts at Orangutan Home Services now! Reach us at 602-906-0111 to schedule your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.