As the summer heat approaches, ensuring your air conditioner is ready to efficiently cool your home is crucial. Preparation not only extends its lifespan but also enhances its performance. This article details six ways an AC company can help prepare your AC for the warm months ahead. Let's dive into how you can ensure your AC system is summer-ready.

1. Clean or Replace Air Filters

One of the most important maintenance tasks for your air conditioner is to clean or replace the air filters. Dirty filters can block airflow, reduce efficiency, and undermine the system's ability to cool effectively. Regular inspection by an AC company helps determine whether cleaning or replacement is necessary for continued optimal performance. A clogged filter not only reduces performance but can also increase energy consumption.

Investing in the right type of air filter can make a significant difference in your AC's efficiency. Various filters on the market offer different benefits, from improving indoor air quality to enhancing filter lifespan. Standard fiberglass filters are cost-effective but often need frequent replacement. Pleated filters, on the other hand, offer better air filtration at a slightly higher price point. If you aren't sure about choosing the right filter that suits your specific needs, contacting an AC company with this specific knowledge can ensure good air quality and enhance system performance.

Reusable filters offer an eco-friendly alternative but require periodic cleaning. Once taken out, these filters can be gently washed with water and allowed to dry completely before reinstallation. Cleaning methods may differ depending on the specific brand, but generally, a gentle approach works best. If you're unsure how to clean your filter, calling a local AC company ensures that it gets cleaned properly and effectively.

2. Inspect and Clean the Evaporator and Condenser Coils

The evaporator and condenser coils are vital components of your air conditioning system. They play critical roles in refrigeration, making it essential to keep them clean for optimal efficiency. Coils can accumulate dirt over time, especially during off-seasons when your AC unit is not in use. Regular inspection and cleaning by an AC company is imperative for maintaining effective cooling.

Identifying dirty coils early can prevent potential issues. Signs of dirty coils include inconsistent cooling and unusually high energy bills. Such issues often arise because the coils are forced to work harder, which not only consumes more energy but can also lead to system wear and tear. According to This Old House, HVAC systems work the hardest from June through August, making coil maintenance especially important during these months.

Cleaning the evaporator coils involves accessing them inside the indoor unit, which can sometimes be a complex task and should be left to a professional AC company. They'll be able to diagnose the problem, fix it appropriately, and detect any other potential hidden issues.

3. Check Thermostat Settings and Functionality

Checking your thermostat settings is critical for ensuring your air conditioner operates as efficiently as possible. The thermostat is the device that regulates the temperature of your home by controlling the AC unit. Different types of thermostats are available, from basic models to smart thermostats offering advanced features. By contacting an AC company and understanding your thermostat, you can ensure it's properly set up for optimal AC performance.

Calibration is crucial in maintaining accurate temperature control. An improperly calibrated thermostat can cause your AC system to over- or under-cool, leading to discomfort and wasted energy. If your thermostat consistently misreads temperature, it may be a sign of a malfunction. In such cases, replacing an outdated thermostat can be a wise investment.

Besides calibration, programmable thermostats offer additional benefits by allowing you to set different temperatures for various times of the day. This feature ensures energy isn't wasted cooling an empty home. Such models also let users set patterns based on daily routines. Besides saving energy, programmable thermostats contribute to extending the lifespan of your AC unit. By fine-tuning energy consumption, you can enjoy both comfort and cost efficiency.

4. Examine the Ductwork

Something that plays a crucial role in air circulation and cooling efficiency is your home's ductwork. Proper duct layout ensures that cool air is evenly distributed throughout the home, maximizing energy efficiency. When ducts are poorly designed or have flaws, they can leak cool air, resulting in increased energy bills and decreased comfort. Therefore, inspection services and possibly having a professional re-evaluate your duct layout can be highly beneficial.

Leaks in the ducts are common culprits behind inefficient AC performance. Symptoms of leaky ducts include uneven cooling and higher energy bills. If you notice dust accumulation near duct joints, it's a likely sign of leakage. Having a professional seal these leaks can ensure an exhaustive fix.

Sealing and insulating ducts is another measure to improve energy efficiency. Insulating ducts, especially those in unconditioned spaces, can prevent cool air loss. For cleaning, a professional air duct cleaning service can ensure thorough removal of dust and debris. Regular duct maintenance also helps maintain indoor air quality by preventing dust and allergens from circulating. Scheduling professional duct inspections is advisable at least once every couple of years to maintain optimal system performance.

5. Clear the Area Around the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit of your AC system plays a pivotal role in discharging warm air from your home. For this unit to work efficiently, maintaining a clear space around it is essential. Obstructions such as debris or vegetation can interfere with airflow, causing the system to work harder than necessary. Regularly inspecting and clearing the area around the outdoor unit can enhance the AC's efficiency and prolong its lifespan.

Debris and overgrown vegetation can be detrimental to the outdoor unit's performance. Regular trimming of shrubs and removal of fallen leaves and other debris should be standard practice. In our experience, you should aim for at least a two-foot clear buffer zone around the unit to ensure unobstructed airflow. Such preventive measures not only enhance performance but also prevent potential damage to the unit itself.

Leveling the outdoor unit is another often overlooked aspect of AC maintenance. An unlevel unit can cause compressor components within to experience undue stress, leading to premature wear. Checking the level of the unit periodically ensures balanced operation, which is vital for overall system health. Scheduling an annual professional check-up can identify potential issues early and ensure the outdoor unit maintains its peak efficiency.

6. Test the System and Make Necessary Adjustments

Hiring an AC company to conduct an initial system test before the peak summer months is crucial. They will turn your system on early, ideally during spring, to gauge its readiness for summer. Testing allows for early diagnosis of underlying issues, reducing the risk of breakdowns during peak usage, typically from June through August.

While the system is running, they'll also listen for any unusual sounds. Noises such as grinding or squealing could point to issues within the system that warrant attention. Such noises may indicate anything from loose components to failing motors, both of which require immediate examination. Paying attention to these auditory cues can help address issues early, preventing potentially costly repairs.

Monitoring the overall performance of your AC system throughout the season is equally important. Tracking cooling effectiveness over time can help you identify if adjustments are necessary. If performance declines, it could indicate issues that need professional assessment.

Properly preparing your air conditioner for summer is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency during the sweltering months. Our professionals at Comfort Experts will allow you to enjoy a cooler home, lower utility bills, and a longer-lasting air conditioning unit. Contact us today and enjoy the summer with a well-prepared, efficient cooling system in place.