Before you know it, temperatures outside will be rising. When that day comes, you’ll want your air conditioner to be running properly and efficiently. Now is the time to start planning for the next heat wave in Glendale, so your cooling system will be ready to run when summer hits.
Change Your Filter
A clean air filter makes a significant difference in how well your air conditioner runs. When the filter is fresh, it can trap a lot of the dust, dirt, pollen and particulates that travel through your system. This helps keep your indoor air much cleaner and healthier. Dirty filters are much less effective at catching allergy-inducing particles.
In addition, particulates can reduce air flow through your HVAC system. Your air conditioner may have to work harder to move air through. As a result, it may not cool as well. This reduced efficiency can lead to higher utility bills.
Fortunately, changing a filter is an easy job. You’ll just pull out the old one and slide a new one into its place. Just make sure that the filter is inserted in the right direction to allow for proper air flow. In some cases, you may have a reusable filter instead of a disposable one. If so, a quick wash will get it ready to be used again.
Clean Your Outdoor AC Unit
Your air conditioning condenser is one of the most important parts of your air system, and it sits outside all year. This condenser is home to several critical components, such as the heat exchange coil and the propeller fan.
The winter may not have been kind to your condenser. There may be a pile of sticks and leaves that have accumulated on and around it. Before summer comes, it’s important that you clear that debris away. You can use a rake to gently pull leaves away from the base.
As winter fades into spring, new plants may start growing in your yard. Some of them may be quite close to your condenser. It’s a good idea to remove them so that they don’t interfere with your system’s ability to function. When possible, remove plant growth by hand. Electric trimmers may cause accidental damage to the exterior of your unit.
If your bushes or trees are starting to crowd your AC condenser, trim them back. This reduces the likelihood of leaves or branches falling into the unit.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
Your home’s thermostat is the link between you and your air conditioner unit. By using your thermostat, you tell the cooling system what temperature you would like your house to remain at.
As you prepare for summer, give your thermostat a look to make sure that it is running properly. It may be time to replace the batteries.
Although your thermostat has probably always been in the same place, you could consider moving it to a more efficient spot. A thermostat will work best if it’s placed on an interior wall. It should be away from your heating and cooling vents and out of direct sunlight in order to measure the correct indoor temperature.
If you have a traditional thermostat, you may want to think about upgrading to a smart unit. This would allow you to have greater control over your summer cooling needs. You can program a smart thermostat to maintain a set schedule for different days and times. Also, you can control it with an app on your phone when you’re away from home.
A cooling professional can discuss thermostat options with you. They can also move your thermostat to a new location or hook up a new smart unit.
Clear Your Vents
The cool air that your air conditioner produces will flow out of your home’s vents. To get the best possible cooling results, your vents should be clean and clear.
Dust on your registers can transfer into your indoor air. Breathing it in can trigger allergies or other respiratory issues. Significant dust buildup can also clog up your filter, which can obstruct the flow of air. Your rooms won’t cool down as easily.
Objects sitting near your air vents can cause a significant problem. Before you turn on the AC for the year, take a look around your house. See if any furniture or other items need to be removed from the area of your vents to promote proper air flow.
Schedule a Maintenance Visit
Getting your air conditioner ready for summer isn’t a job you can handle all by yourself. Professional air conditioning maintenance can help. During a visit, your AC technician will clean the unit and swap out the filter. They will also add lubrication to moving parts and look for signs of damage. A maintenance visit involves turning on the air conditioner to observe how well it runs. Calibrating the thermostat will be part of that process.
Your technician will discuss any repair needs with you so that you can decide how to proceed. Fixing a broken part is usually the best course of action. There are some instances in which you might decide on air conditioner replacement instead.
It’s a good idea to set up one air conditioner maintenance appointment per year. The best time for this visit is in the spring. Call early so that you can get on the schedule well before the first day of summer.
Evaluate Last Year’s Power Bills
If it’s been several months since you last ran your air conditioner, then the cost may not be at the forefront of your mind. Now is the time to take a look at how much you spent on electricity last summer. Tallying up the total might give you a bit of sticker shock, but there are steps you can take to reduce this year’s energy usage.
Think about setting your thermostat a degree or two higher this summer. Keep doors and windows closed so that cool air stays where it belongs. Draw the shades closed during the sunniest times of the day.
It’s also a good idea to compare this year’s energy usage to last year’s. If you find that your AC unit is using a lot more power than it did last year, there may be something going on with your HVAC system that requires service.
Give the professionals at Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical in Glendale a call to discuss AC efficiency. You may be a good candidate for some cooling improvements. For example, insulating ductwork can help prevent the loss of cool air from your system.
Replace the Air Conditioner if Necessary
Older air conditioners don’t have as many energy-saving features as newer models. Plus, wear and tear from years of use can reduce their efficiency. If you’ve relied on the same air conditioner for a decade or more, installing a new unit may be the best way to reduce your power bills.
Another benefit of a new air conditioner is that it will be much less likely to break down in the middle of summer. Older air conditioners often have frequent repair needs. Broken components could produce strange noises or give off unpleasant smells. The air conditioner might cool unevenly. You can save yourself a lot of trouble by scheduling an AC replacement before summer starts.
Reach out to Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical for your annual AC maintenance. Our technicians complete air conditioning installations as well. Our other specialties include heating, plumbing and electrical work. Call today to schedule your visit with one of our experienced professionals.
