Prep Your AC for the Summer with These Tips

It’s almost summer, so you better make sure you’re ready for the hot weather. You can do a few things before it gets too hot, such as changing your air filter and cleaning out your AC unit.

Read the following for more tips on getting your AC prepped for this summer:

1. Let a Professional Inspect Your Air Conditioner

Just because your air conditioner looks fine on the outside doesn’t mean it doesn’t have problems. Your unit could be dealing with issues such as leaks, mold, and poor insulation.

However, often, homeowners do not realize that there is a problem with their AC unit until it’s too late. To avoid this headache, call an HVAC contractor to inspect it.

During inspection, your technician will check the unit for any issues, such as dirt and debris. They will also check the AC unit’s coils, which are responsible for removing heat from your home.

If they notice problems, they will tell you what to do. Usually, you will be told to fix any problems and, in some cases, replace the unit altogether.

2. Clean Your AC Unit

Your first step should be to clean the outside of your unit. Use a hose and a sprayer to get off any dirt or other things that may be built upon the outside. Make sure you wear protective gear.

Once it’s all cleaned off, turn the hose onto the air intake located at the very front of your AC unit. This will ensure no debris gets into your unit once it starts working again.

If you notice any mold around the intake, now would be a good time to address it with bleach solution before turning on your unit again.

Once everything is clean and dry, don’t forget to check for cracks in your outdoor AC unit.

3. Use a Ceiling Fan in Conjunction with Your Air Conditioner

One really great way to save on your energy bill is by using a ceiling fan along with your AC unit. This will help circulate all that cool air, so it gets distributed evenly instead of just sitting right by the vent.

Also, turn off your ceiling fan when you don’t need it and turn it back on in conjunction with your AC unit, so the fan doesn’t run non-stop and overwork itself. It’s one simple step that can help you keep cool during those hot summer months.

4. Replace the Filters

Why do you need to replace air conditioner filters? Dirty filters turn your AC unit into a blower that doesn’t work properly. They can also cause fine particles to circulate inside the house, which is bad news for people with respiratory problems, such as asthma.

Change air filters every six months or so, sometimes more frequently if you are living with many people or have pets. To replace the filter, just pop the old one out and replace it with a new one. Keep an eye on your filters to ensure proper airflow in your house all summer long!

5. Check Your Thermostat

Don’t keep your thermostat on the same setting all summer long. If you do, you will be constantly running your AC unit, which means spending more money to cool down your home.

Instead of keeping it around 80 degrees or so year-round, try setting it between 75 and 78 degrees during the day when you are not home, then switch it to 70 degrees or so before you head to bed. You will save quite a bit on your power bill, and that’s the whole point of prepping your AC unit for summer.

6. Consider Buying a New One

If you have an old AC unit that is close to 20 years old, it may be time for a new one. That shouldn’t necessarily mean replacing your entire HVAC system. However, if your AC unit has seen better days, don’t take chances on the older model breaking down in the middle of summer when you need it most.

To make sure you get the best AC unit for your summer needs, consider speaking with an HVAC company to see what they recommend. They will be able to work with your budget and give you an idea of what is available in your area.

Go for units with an excellent Energy Star rating. These models use less energy, which means your bills will be lower when you need them most.

By following these simple tips, you can make sure your AC unit is prepared for some hot summer days. Now go enjoy some quality time outside with all of those new spring trends.