Stay Cool! Preparing Your Air Conditioning for Summer
Everybody has their own spring cleaning checklist, but I am willing to bet that a lot of us forget one of the most important parts of our home that need to be cleaned – the HVAC unit! As the comfortable temperatures of spring slowly begin to rise towards summer, more and more people will be turning on their air conditioning for the first time in several long months. Months during which dirt, dust and other debris collect inside our HVAC units just waiting to be blown around inside our homes. Below are 4 tips for Preparing Your Air Conditioning for Summer.
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1. Ensure the Outdoor Unit is Clean
Make sure your outdoor unit is free from fallen leaves, twigs, pine cones and other debris from the winter months. A simple rinsing from the garden hose, removing any fallen leaves and debris will help to ensure that the condensing coil has the proper air flow it requires to run efficiently. Make sure to keep any bushes or branches trimmed well back. Give the entire unit an inspection for obvious signs of damage, paying particular attention to the tubes and wires connecting the compressor unit to the home for any breaks or deterioration.
2. Check the Ductwork
Not many people think about checking their ductwork, but doing so will go a long way towards ensuring your unit is running at its peak performance level and keeping you cool during the hot summer months. Check the ductwork for any holes, seams or other causes of air leakage. You can seal air leakage and patch any holes or seams with silver tape.
3. Change the Filter Regularly
A dirty air filter can increase energy consumption and damage your equipment, leading to poor performance or early failure. Keeping the filter clean will protect your unit by preventing dust and dirt from being recirculated back into the unit. It also reduces the amount of allergens and dust in the home which is especially important for those with allergies or asthma. The filter should be replaced monthly during the months that you run your air on a regular basis. Make sure the new air filter is the proper size for your system.
4. Schedule Routine Inspection/Maintenance with a Professional
Did you know that without proper maintenance your air conditioner loses about 5% of its original efficiency for each year of operation? And a less efficient unit running means much higher utility bills! Before you cut your AC on for the new season, call a certified and trained professional to come out and service the unit. Cleaning and inspecting your HVAC to ensure it is running at its best will not only provide summertime comfort and lower cooling bills, you’ll also prolong the life of your air conditioner. Routine maintenance and inspection is something that should be done twice a year: once at the beginning of Spring and once at the beginning of Fall before any extreme changes in temperature.
Following these simple tips for preparing your air conditioning for summer should help ensure that your unit is performing at its best, and will help keep your home cool and your energy bills low!
Do you have any tips for helping keep your air conditioning bill low during the summer? Share with us below!