Summer is the most difficult time of the year for air conditioning systems. The hotter it gets, the more strain your AC experiences trying to keep up with your cooling needs. Because of this, summer is the busiest time of year for AC repairs as well. Here’s what you can do to reduce the strain on your AC and ensure that the system runs smoothly through the entire cooling season.
Change the Filters Regularly
This is one of the most important things you can do to take care of your air conditioner — and the most forgettable. Everyone has forgotten about their air filter every now and then, but doing so could allow dust and debris into your AC system and cause major problems. During the summer, debris on the coils could cause your AC to freeze and break down, leaving you without cool air on a hot day.
You should change your standard air filter every two to three months depending on how fast it gets dirty, more often if you have shedding pets or the filter gets dirty quickly. If you have a different kind of filter, follow the manufacturer’s specifications for how often it needs to be changed or cleaned.
Adjust Your Thermostat
There’s nothing like feeling the refreshingly cool air in your home after time in the summer heat, but that doesn’t mean you should keep your AC on full blast all the time. If you and your family are leaving the house for more than a couple of hours, set your AC a few degrees higher to give it a break and reduce the system’s strain. Programmable and smart thermostats are a great way to help you manage these temperature changes.
It’s also important to understand that your air conditioner can only do so much for you against the summer heat. The hotter it is outside, the more difficult it will be for your AC to keep your home at a crisp 68 degrees, or whatever temperature you prefer. To minimize your AC’s stress and save money this summer, set your thermostat to a more realistic 78 degrees, which is the most efficient summer temperature. Not only will this keep your AC running well, but you also won’t really feel the difference compared to the heat outside.
Cut Down Heat Inside
Letting natural light into your home feels great, but all of that sunshine actually heats up your home’s interior. Having blinds, curtains or shutters allows you to cover your windows during the heat of the day. This keeps the heat out of your home and makes your AC’s job a little easier.
Another way to keep the heat in your home under control is by not using heat-generating appliances during the heat of the day. By doing laundry, cooking and even showering in the morning or evening, you can keep heat from building up and reduce your air conditioner’s workload. Grilling offers the perfect opportunity to cook meals outside your home and prevent heat buildup inside, and summer is the perfect time for cookouts!
Schedule an AC Tune-Up
By far, scheduling a tune-up in the spring is the best thing you can do to prepare your AC for summer. AC tune-ups include:
- Inspecting the entire system for problems
- Cleaning the coils and moving parts
- Testing and calibrating the system for top efficiency
Having air conditioning maintenance done in the spring prepares your AC to take on the stress of the summer months before the heat of summer hits, catching AC repairs before they cause problems and reducing the chance of a breakdown. With AC tune-ups each spring, you can be confident that your air conditioner will run smoothly throughout the summer months.
Contact Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing today to schedule your AC tune-up.
