Summer might seem like it’s in the far future away. But before you realize, you’ll be switching from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is cooling frequently to maintain comfortable temperatures. It’s smart to prepare for the additional usage before temperatures really start to climb.
Midway Services and our team of Experts can help. We’ve made our comprehensive air conditioning memberships to maximize your system’s energy efficiency and dependability. Our professional expertise 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 get ready for air conditioning season.
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Don’t worry, you won’t have to dismantle your system and clean every part. Our Experts do this during your routine air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the surroundings around your air conditioner will go a long way too. We recommend:
- Removing twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner.
- Keeping nearby grass and plants clipped back.
- Maintaining at minimum 1 foot of clear area on all sides around your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner’s fins get full of dirt or yard refuse, this can impact performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to run longer to provide the same level of cooling. In extreme cases, it could stop working altogether and need air conditioning repair.
Your comfort and satisfaction are our priority, so we want to minimize the likelihood of repairs in the first place. A regularly serviced air conditioner generally runs more efficiently, is less likely to break down and often lasts longer.
2. Change Your Air Filter
Routinely replacing your air filter is important for your air conditioner’s health. During a tune-up visit, our pros examine filters and install new ones if required. Replacing the filter is speedy and straightforward. You can (and should) do it on your own when possible!
How regularly you need to get a new filter depends on:
- The kind of filter you use.
- If someone in your home has asthma, allergies or other respiratory issues.
- If you have pets.
Basic flat filters usually last for 30–60 days. Thicker pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you’re unsure if your filter needs to be replaced, take 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 home’s air, keeping airflow fresh. Forgetting about it will decrease your residence’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
In some situations a clogged filter can even damage your system or cause it to malfunction. Frequently putting in a new one will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more balanced.
If someone in your family suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues, check with our Experts about how a HEPA filter can lessen symptoms.
3. Check Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors
Now is a great time to check other critical components of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure that it’s operating right. If the batteries are running low, get new ones.
For added control and convenience, think about getting a smart thermostat. They make saving energy simpler. And a few models can even tell you if there’s trouble with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs to be changed.
Even though 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. Making sure they still have juice delivers peace of mind and an added layer of safety.
4. Keep Heat Where it Belongs
One of the wisest ways to enhance energy-efficient cooling is to minimize the level of outside heat coming into your residence. Using quality window treatments like blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can keep the sun from affecting indoor temperatures.
Here are a few other approaches to keep your home cold without lowering the thermostat:
- Use ceiling fans when you’re in the room.
- Turn on your bathroom fan to eliminate heat and humidity when you shower.
- Keep air vents uncovered to ensure proper airflow.
- Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Trust Midway Services for Experienced Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our list will help your air conditioner run smoother this summer. But the smartest way you can increase efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some perks of this service entail:
- Stress-free cooling.
- Possibly reduced cooling bills.
- Possibly lengthening your air conditioner’s life span.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid.
Make sure your air conditioning is prepped for this summer! Call the heating and cooling Experts at Midway Services now! Call us at 727-219-2471 to book your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.