Summer may seem like it’s still a few months away. But before you realize, you’ll be transitioning from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is cooling frequently to maintain comfy temperatures. It’s wise to prepare for the extra usage before temperatures get warmer.
Norrell Service Experts and our team of Experts can help. We’ve created our all-inclusive air conditioning memberships to boost your system’s energy efficiency and trustworthiness. Our professional expertise goes a long way, but there are lots of other tasks you can do to protect your air conditioner. Here are four of the top ways you can prepare 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 routine air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the area around your air conditioner will go a long way also. We recommend:
- Getting rid of twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner.
- Keeping nearby grass and plants cut back.
- Maintaining at minimum 1 foot of clear space on all sides around your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner’s fins get blocked by dirt or yard refuse, this can influence performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to run longer to provide the same level of cool air. In bad cases, it might stop working altogether and need air conditioning repair.
Your comfort and satisfaction are our priority, so we want to minimize the possibility of repairs in the first place. A clean air conditioner generally cools more efficiently, is less likely to break down and usually lasts longer.
2. Change Your Air Filter
Routinely replacing your air filter is critical for your air conditioner’s well-being. During a service visit, our specialists check filters and install new ones if necessary. Installing a new filter is speedy and simple. You can (and should) do it on your own whenever!
How frequently you need to replace your filter depends on:
- The style of filter you use.
- If someone in your house has asthma, allergies or other respiratory concerns.
- If you have pets.
Basic flat filters usually last for 30–60 days. Deeper pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you’re unsure if your filter should be replaced, remove it, and tilt it toward the light. Replace it if you can’t see light through it.
Filters catch dust, pollen and other particles from your home’s air, keeping airflow healthy. Forgetting about it will affect your home’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
In some situations a dirty filter may 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 consistent.
If someone in your family suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues, contact our Experts about how a HEPA filter can relieve symptoms.
3. Inspect Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors
Now is the perfect time to check other crucial parts of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you rely on a programmable thermostat, make sure that it’s running correctly. If the batteries are getting low, replace them.
For extra control and convenience, consider getting a smart thermostat. They make using less energy simpler. And a few models can even notify you if there’s an issue with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs to be changed.
Despite the fact they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is a good time to inspect the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensuring they still have juice gives peace of mind and an extra layer of safety.
4. Keep Heat Outdoors
One of the best ways to boost energy-efficient cooling is to minimize the amount of outside heat seeping into your house. Using good window treatments such as blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can block the sun from influencing indoor temperatures.
Here are a few other approaches to keep your house chilly without adjusting the thermostat:
- Turn on ceiling fans when you’re in the room.
- Run your bathroom fan to eliminate heat and humidity when you shower.
- Keep air vents clean to ensure ample airflow.
- Install caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Rely on Norrell Service Experts for Skilled Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our list will help your air conditioner operate more efficiently this summer. But the smartest way you can increase efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some perks of this service include:
- Stress-free cooling.
- Possibly cheaper cooling costs.
- Possibly extending your air conditioner’s lifetime.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty ongoing.
Make sure your air conditioning is prepared for this summer! Call the heating and cooling Experts at Norrell Service Experts right away! Call us at 205-267-0023 to book your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.