Summer may feel like it’s in the far future away. But before you blink, you’ll be transitioning from heating to cooling. Soon enough your air conditioner is running frequently to maintain comfy temperatures. It’s beneficial to prep for the more usage before temperatures really start to climb.
TML Service Experts and our team of Experts can help. We’ve made our detailed air conditioning memberships to maximize your system’s energy efficiency and trustworthiness. Our professional knowledge goes a long way, but there are many other things you can do to protect your air conditioner. Here are four of the top ways you can prepare for air conditioning season.
1. Clean Your Air Conditioner
Don’t be concerned, you won’t have to take apart your system and clean every part. Our Experts do this during your routine air conditioning maintenance appointment.
But cleaning the space around your air conditioner will go a long way also. We recommend:
- Removing twigs, leaves and grass clippings from the outside of your air conditioner.
- Keeping surrounding grass and plants clipped back.
- Maintaining at minimum 1 foot of open area on all sides around your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner’s fins get full of dirt or yard refuse, this can decrease performance and comfort. Your air conditioner will have to run more often to give the same level of cooling. In extreme cases, it might stop cooling altogether and need air conditioning repair.
Your comfort and satisfaction are important to us, so we like to minimize the possibility of repairs in the first place. A well-maintained air conditioner typically operates more efficiently, is less likely to break down and typically lasts longer.
2. Replace Your Air Filter
Regularly replacing your air filter is important for your air conditioner’s health. During a service visit, our specialists check filters and replace them if needed. Putting in a new filter is speedy and straightforward. You can (and should) do it on your own when you can!
How regularly 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 problems.
- If you have pets.
Basic flat filters normally last for 30–60 days. Deeper pleated filters can last up to 90 days. If you’re unsure if your filter should 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 pollutants from your residence’s air, keeping airflow healthy. Forgetting about it will affect your home’s indoor air quality and your air conditioner’s efficiency.
In some situations a clogged filter might even damage your system or cause it to break down. Frequently putting in a new one will keep the inside of your air conditioner cleaner and airflow more consistent.
If someone in your family suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems, check with our Experts about how a HEPA filter can help.
3. Check Your Thermostat and Smoke Detectors
Now is a good time to examine other important parts of your air conditioner and other safety systems.
If you use a programmable thermostat, check that it’s working right. If the batteries are running low, change them.
For added control and convenience, consider installing a smart thermostat. They make using less energy less complicated. And select models can even tell you if there’s an issue with your air conditioner or if your air filter needs to be changed.
Although they’re not part of your air conditioning system, now is an excellent time to test the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Making sure they still have juice gives peace of mind and an extra layer of protection.
4. Keep Heat Outside
One of the wisest ways to enhance energy-efficient cooling is to reduce the concentration of exterior heat seeping into your house. Using quality window treatments such as blackout curtains, honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, can keep the sun from impacting your home’s temperatures.
Here are several other ways to keep your home cool without lowering the thermostat:
- Use ceiling fans when you’re in the room.
- Run your bathroom fan to eliminate heat and humidity when you shower.
- Keep air vents unobstructed to ensure adequate airflow.
- Install caulk and weatherstripping to seal your doors and windows.
Trust TML Service Experts for Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance
Our list will help your air conditioner run smoother this summer. But the smartest way you can improve efficiency is with air conditioning maintenance. Some perks of this service involve:
- Stress-free cooling.
- Potentially cheaper cooling expenses.
- Possibly lengthening your air conditioner’s lifetime.
- Keeping your valuable manufacturer’s warranty intact.
Make sure your air conditioning is prepped for this summer! Call the heating and cooling Experts at TML Service Experts right away! Reach us at 208-488-4892 to request your maintenance appointment or to learn more about our HVAC membership plans.