Now that the warm weather has arrived, we’re entering the most challenging time of year for your air conditioner. Rising outdoor temperatures mean your unit has to work twice as hard to keep your home cool and comfortable.
So how can you prepare your system for these changing conditions? As you’ll read below, homeowners can practice some simple maintenance habits independently before spring and summer roll around.
However, some key springtime steps — like conducting an air conditioning tune-up — require professional assistance. Luckily, Channell Heating and Cooling has the expertise to fulfill all your AC maintenance needs. Follow the steps below, then give us a call.
Replace Your Filters
Swapping out your air filters is one of the easiest ways to defend your cooling system’s health. Over time, dust and debris gather in your vents, restricting airflow and thus forcing your AC to expend unnecessary energy. Replacing your filters prevents this type of system clogging and improves your indoor air quality.
Ideally, you should be replacing them every 90 days, though every 60 days may be more appropriate if you have a shedding pet.
Test Your Thermostat
If you haven’t used your air conditioner in a while, it’s essential to test your thermostat before spring arrives. Simply set the temperature a little cooler than usual. If you don’t hear your system’s fans activate or the temperature hasn’t changed in half an hour, your HVAC system is potentially damaged.
At that point, you’ll need to call an air conditioning company for a full inspection and potential repairs.
Examine Your Outdoor Unit
Next, you’ll want to inspect your outdoor unit. Throughout winter, your system probably dealt with frost, rain or intense breezes, all of which can leave your AC filthy.
Remove any branches, leaves or other debris surrounding your unit to ensure its airflow isn’t restricted. You should also clip any tall grasses surrounding your air conditioner for the same reason.
If you’d like to get an even deeper clean, scrub the air conditioner with a hose and soft brush after mowing, though you must deactivate your system from your breaker box first.
Schedule an AC Maintenance Appointment
Your system’s health and safety heavily depend on certain elements, including its refrigerant levels and blower motor. However, maintaining these parts is a bit more complicated.
Fortunately, a trained technician can check every inch of your unit during an air conditioning tune-up. Before reaching the hottest months of the year, you should schedule an appointment to identify any malfunctions, thus avoiding an untimely summer breakdown.
On top of preventing costly repairs, tune-ups extend your air conditioner’s lifespan and improve its energy efficiency, meaning the long-term benefits far outweigh the upfront cost of a maintenance appointment.
Find a Hazlehurst AC Company
There’s no need to stress over springtime maintenance, especially with Channell Heating and Cooling by your side. With over 40 years of experience, our team is accustomed to optimizing units for the warm weather, ensuring your home stays temperate all year long.
Request a service appointment today to start preparing for spring!
