The hot sticky summer heat is here and if you haven’t used your air conditioner since last summer, now is a good time to make sure it is ready to perform all season long. Follow these simple steps and you’re sure to have a comfortable summer – and save money – regardless of the temperatures outside.
Things To Do Outside
To assure the air conditioning unit in your home is in top condition and ready to perform come the first sign of warm weather, there are a few simple things you can do.
- Assure the condenser is clean and free of any debris. This is an easy, but important step. Loose leaves, grass, dust, dead insects, and other matter can accumulate on the unit’s coils and cause it to work harder and wear out sooner. If after inspecting the unit, you see it could use some attention, turn off the power to the air conditioning system and remove any debris you see cluttering the unit.
- Remove plants growing too close to the unit. There should be at the very least, 15 Centimetres of clearance surrounding your air conditioning unit. Remove any excess growth by trimming back bushes and pulling any weeds growing around the perimeter.
- Wash away dirt and dust. While the power to your air conditioning unit is off, us a garden hose to gently spray from the top of the coils towards the bottom of the unit, washing away dirt and other debris.
Things To Do Inside
- Be certain your system is operating with a clean air filter. Air conditioning units do more than simply cool and dehumidify the air inside your home; they help to purify the air by removing dirt and other particulates like dust. It is important your unit has good airflow to assure it performs at its best. Replace your air filter every month or every three months if you are using a HEPA filter. A clean filter will improve performance and reduce energy consumption.
- Use a programmable thermostat. While its essential to keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly, using a programmable thermostat will help to keep summer energy costs down by up to 25%. With controls that allow you to customize temperature settings based on your schedule and the time you need indoor climate control most, you are guaranteed to see savings on your utility bills.
These tips can help cut costs by keeping your air conditioning unit running smoothly and your home more comfortable all summer long.
Do you have questions about the performance of your air conditioning system? Are you looking for ways to save on energy costs this summer? Contact us for a free estimate or schedule a repair online today!