Summer may seem like it’s in the far future away. But before you know it, you’ll be switching from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is cooling around the clock to maintain comfortable temperatures. It’s wise to be ready for the extra usage before temperatures really start to climb.
Barlow Service Experts and our team of Experts can help. We’ve designed our all-inclusive air conditioning memberships to increase your system’s energy efficiency and trustworthiness. Our professional experience goes a long way, but there are a lot of other tasks you can do to protect your air conditioner. Here are four of the greatest ways you can prep for air conditioning season.
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Don’t worry, you won’t have to disassemble your system and clean every piece. Our Experts take care of this during your annual air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the space around your air conditioner will go a long way too. We advise:
- Removing twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner.
- Keeping surrounding grass and plants trimmed back.
- Maintaining at minimum 1 foot of free area on all sides around your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner’s fins get blocked by dirt or yard refuse, this can affect performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to run longer to provide the same level of comfort. In severe 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 regularly serviced air conditioner generally runs more efficiently, is less likely to need repairs and often lasts longer.
2. Put in a New Air Filter
Routinely replacing your air filter is important for your air conditioner’s health. During a maintenance visit, our pros inspect filters and put in new ones if needed. Replacing the filter is quick and straightforward. You can (and should) do it on your own when you can!
How frequently you need to replace your filter depends on:
- The type of filter you use.
- If someone in your household has asthma, allergies or other respiratory issues.
- If you have pets.
Basic flat filters typically last for 30–60 days. Thicker pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you’re not sure if your filter needs to be replaced, remove it, and tilt it toward the light. Get a new one if you can’t see light through it.
Filters remove dust, pollen and other particles from your residence’s air, keeping airflow clean. Neglecting it will decrease your house’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
In some situations a clogged 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 level.
If someone in your household 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 the perfect time to check other essential pieces of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you rely on a programmable thermostat, make sure that it’s operating like it should. If the batteries are running low, change them.
For extra control and convenience, think about installing a smart thermostat. They make saving energy simpler. And some models can even notify you if there’s an issue with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs replacement.
Despite the fact they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is an excellent time to inspect the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Confirming they still work offers peace of mind and an extra layer of safety.
4. Keep Heat Outdoors
One of the best ways to enhance energy-efficient cooling is to minimize the level of outdoor heat seeping into your residence. Using quality window treatments like blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can keep the sun from influencing interior temperatures.
Here are a couple other methods to keep your residence cool without lowering the thermostat:
- Use ceiling fans when you’re in the room.
- Use your bathroom fan to get rid of heat and humidity when you shower.
- Keep air vents unobstructed to ensure proper airflow.
- Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Depend on Barlow Service Experts for Experienced Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our checklist will help your air conditioner operate better this summer. But the smartest way you can boost efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some pluses of this service involve:
- Worry-free cooling.
- Potentially lower cooling bills.
- Potentially lengthening your air conditioner’s life span.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty ongoing.
Make sure your air conditioning is ready for this summer! Contact the heating and cooling Experts at Barlow Service Experts now! Call us at 801-436-8985 to schedule your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.