Summer might seem like it’s a long time off away. But before you know it, you’ll be transitioning from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is working around the clock to maintain comfortable temperatures. It’s smart to prepare for the extra usage before temperatures really start to climb.
Epperson Service Experts and our team of Experts can provide support. We’ve designed our all-inclusive air conditioning memberships to increase your system’s energy efficiency and trustworthiness. Our professional knowledge goes a long way, but there are a lot of other steps you can take to protect your air conditioner. Here are four of the best ways you can get ready for air conditioning season.
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Don’t fret, you won’t have to take apart your system and clean every component. Our Experts handle this during your routine air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the area around your air conditioner will go a long way as well. We recommend:
- Removing twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner.
- Keeping surrounding grass and plants trimmed back.
- Maintaining no less than 1 foot of open space 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 provide the same level of cool air. In severe cases, it could stop cooling altogether and need air conditioning repair.
Your comfort and satisfaction matter to us, so we want to minimize the possibility of repairs in the first place. A regularly serviced air conditioner generally runs more efficiently, is less likely to break down and usually lasts longer.
2. Put in a New Air Filter
Routinely replacing your air filter is important for your air conditioner’s wellness. During a tune-up visit, our specialists examine filters and replace them if necessary. Replacing the filter is fast and straightforward. You can (and should) do it on your own when you can!
How regularly you need to get a new filter depends on:
- The type of filter you use.
- If someone in your house has asthma, allergies or other respiratory concerns.
- If you have pets.
Basic flat filters normally last for 30–60 days. Deeper pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you’re not sure if your filter requires replacement, pull it out, and tilt it toward the light. Get a new one if you can’t see light through it.
Filters trap dust, pollen and other contaminants from your residence’s air, keeping airflow fresh. Neglecting it will impact your home’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
In some instances a clogged filter can even damage your system or cause it to break down. Often replacing it will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more consistent.
If someone in your home suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, check with our Experts about how a HEPA filter can lessen symptoms.
3. Test Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors
Now is a good time to test other crucial pieces of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure that it’s running like it should. If the batteries are getting low, replace them.
For more control and convenience, think about installing a smart thermostat. They make conserving energy easier. And a few models can even tell you if there’s trouble with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs replacing.
Despite the fact 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. Confirming they still have juice gives peace of mind and an extra layer of safety.
4. Keep Heat Outdoors
One of the wisest ways to enhance energy-efficient cooling is to minimize the level of outside heat seeping into your home. Using good window treatments including blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can stop the sun from impacting indoor temperatures.
Here are a few other approaches to keep your house cool without lowering the thermostat:
- Use ceiling fans when you’re in the room.
- Run your bathroom fan to get rid of heat and humidity when you shower.
- Keep air vents unobstructed to ensure ample airflow.
- Add caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Rely on Epperson Service Experts for Skilled Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our list will help your air conditioner operate more efficiently this summer. But the wisest way you can improve efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some perks of this service entail:
- Stress-free cooling.
- Potentially reduced cooling bills.
- Possibly lengthening your air conditioner’s life expectancy.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty ongoing.
Make sure your air conditioning is ready for this summer! Contact the heating and cooling Experts at Epperson Service Experts right away! Reach us at 843-619-3781 to request your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.